COVID-19 corruption in SA: R5m ‘door-knocking’ campaign declared illegal

The absolute brass neck of this scheme is something to behold: A tribunal in the OR Tambo Municipality has declared that a ‘glorified door-knocking campaign’ was illegally funded, and two officials in the Eastern Cape have been arrested.

Crooked COVID contract collared

A contract agreed between senior figures in the district and a local training institute has been referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), who are likely to increase the searing heat of the spotlight this case now finds itself under.

Essentially, the group invoiced the municipality almost R5 million to conduct a ‘door-to-door’ COVID-19 awareness campaign. However, the final deal agreed was full of ‘unlawful’ details. A statement issued by the SIU revealed the extent of the dodgy depths of this dirty deal, and confirmed the following to be true…

Inside the R5 million ‘dodgy door-knocking deal’

• – A R4.8 million contract was awarded by the OR Tambo District Municipality to Phathilizwi Training Institute.
• – The group’s purpose? To go round knocking on doors, raising awareness about COVID-19… that’s it.
• – This service allegedly rendered by the training institute forms part of the unlawful and invalid contract.
• – The SIU has uncovered evidence pointing to criminal action against three municipal officials.

OR Tambo officials ‘face the music’

Bail has been set at R20 000 for each implicated official, and the OR Tambo District has been vehemently advised to withhold any payments that may have been scheduled for the Phathilizwi Training Institute.

“The Special Tribunal ordered the OR Tambo Municipality [in the Eastern Cape] not to pay two invoices amounting to R4 857 600. The evidence, as required, was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further attention.”

“The SIU also made disciplinary referrals to O.R Tambo District Municipality against three municipal officials. The service provider, Phumza Portia Gambula, together with municipal official, Johnson Phumzile Gwadiso, were subsequently arrested, and both have been released on bail of R20 000 each.”