MEC livid over graft in public works projects
The Gauteng government has launched a high-level investigation into allegations of corruption and nepotism in community projects aimed at benefiting the poor. Infrastructure Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza yesterday apologised to the beneficiaries after they complained of being maltreated or sidelined.She said the complainants claimed they were not being paid regularly or were promised work that was later given to friends and relatives of the department's employees.This involved two projects of the Gauteng Expanded Public Works Programme - Zivuseni and the National Youth Service - intended to benefit Gauteng's most vulnerable communities."The poor among us have been grateful about how these projects are putting food on the table for many families."This initiative cannot be trashed just like that."If there are people who go about exploiting our people in this manner, let us deal with them," she said.The MEC said she would report the matter to the legislature's infrastructure portfolio committee."We will find the culprits and take action," Mayathula-Khoza said. ..
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