Former education MEC in court for fraud

Former North West education MEC Johannes Tselapedi and four other people have appeared in court for alleged tender fraud, according to a report.

Tselapedi, former provincial education department head Nathanzima Mweli, his successor Charles Raseala, doctor-turned-motivational speaker John Tibane and his wife Ruth, appeared on Friday and would be back in the Molopo Regional Court on October 12, the Sunday Independent reported.

A decision on whether they would face an additional charge of racketeering would be made before then, North West National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Frank Lesenyego said.

The charges relate to several tenders worth R13 million, allegedly awarded without proper procedure having been followed.

Tibane Consulting Services was given a three-month contract to supply a motivational speaker.

"But it continued for a period of three years without an extension and not in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act," Lesenyego was quoted as saying.

Several other contracts were allegedly irregularly awarded.

North West education department spokesman Gershwin Chuenyane said Mweli resigned before he could face charges.

He is currently acting deputy director general of curriculum in the basic education department.

Department spokesman Panyaza Lesufi said they could do nothing against him as the allegations involved his previous job, and that he was innocent until proven guilty.