MEC Dukwana hails state capture report findings on Free State’s dodgy R1bn housing project

Free State Cogta MEC Mxolisi Dukwana has hailed the state capture inquiry findings on Free State’s scandalous R1 billion housing project, the biggest dodgy deal in the province, termed as a “dismal failure.”

Dukwana, who became the whistle blower in the Zondo commission, provided the commission with valuable testimony, and implicated the main players, which included his arch-rival and suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule.

Speaking to a radio interview with Radio 702 on Monday morning, Eskom as an important step in bringing those who undermined the state entity to book

“People who are masterminding this

Lastly when asked by Radio 702, Dukwana said that he hopes that the judicial commission can take a harsh law on those implicated in corruption and bring them to book.

“The rule of law must take its course against all those who defrauded the department of housing and the Free State Province,” said Dukwana.

“The money was meant to build thousands of low cost houses, however, the houses were never built as some politicians decided to pocket these funds,” further added Dukwana.

According to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, it is reported a total of R1.3 billion was allocated for the construction of housing units to address the backlog of 200,000 houses.

When asked if all those involved must be prosecuted including notable individuals from top leadership, Dukwana said the judiciary system must set an example to deal with the accused.

Findings from the state capture report released by the commission:

The Free State asbestos project involved the irregular awarding of a contract for the eradication of asbestos roofing, to be carried out on 300 000 houses – which cost some R255 million.  

The joint venture appointed to carry out the work had no previous experience, and was appointed by the Free State Department of Human Settlements (FSDHS) “without any care or concern for skill, experience, training or qualification”.

The joint venture made payments to secret beneficiaries and connected persons, including Colin Pitso (R6.5 million), Bongani More (R7.5 million), Paul Mashatile (R327 thousand), Pinky Kekana (R170 thousand), Zizi Kodwa (R175 thousand) and Zweli Mkhize (R6.5 million). Other payments made amounted to R3.5 million.

Some notable players in this saga of irregularities and corruption include Elias Sekgobelo “Ace” Magashule, Tony Gupta and other Gupta associates.  Mxolisi Dukwana, the former Free State MEC, refused to sign when he “was offered cash in a briefcase if he signed a document which would have given the Guptas and their associates some work in the Free State”.