Suspend Ithala boss - IFP

2010-06-29 18:06

Durban - The IFP on Tuesday called for the suspension of Ithala boss Sipho Shabalala over allegations that he awarded a tender without following the correct tendering procedure.

"We are calling for the suspension of Shabalala from his post at Ithala and an independent inquiry into his dealings... A mere forensic investigation is no longer enough," IFP KwaZulu-Natal economic development spokesperson Lionel Mtshali said in a statement.

Earlier this year, a task team set up by KwaZulu-Natal economic development and tourism MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu found that Shabalala had awarded a multi-million rand tender to Bombe Chithey Consulting Projects without following proper procedure.

Shabalala received a written warning from Mabuyakhulu, who has promised to sort out problems at Ithala, a State-funded KwaZulu-Natal development finance corporation.

Mtshali said only an independent inquiry could investigate the awarding of the R169m tender to Bombe Chitey Construction and Projects.

In May the provincial SA Communist Party and Cosatu said they suspected a cover-up in the handling of the alleged procurement irregularities.

The expressed shock that Shabalala received only a written warning for what they viewed as serious misconduct.

- SAPA