A recent car accident involving the City of Ekurhuleni MMC for finance and EFF provincial chairperson Nkululeko Dunga has sparked controversy over a potential conflict of interest.
Sunday World has learnt that the privately owned V-Class Mercedes-Benz in which Dunga was traveling at the time of the accident belongs to a certain businessman and tenderpreneur.
According to sources, the businessman recently secured three substantial tenders from the city.
Tenders secured
One of these tenders involves the procurement of service providers for air-conditioning systems for various Ekurhuleni facilities, while another pertains to contractors for water network installation and maintenance.
The third contract focuses on the provision of personal protective equipment and clothing for the energy department.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini distanced the Ekurhuleni metro from Dunga’s private involvement with Moloi, stating that an investigation will be launched should the need arise.
“Unfortunately, the city cannot explain the private arrangement between the MMC and the said [businessman], nor can we talk of a conflict of interest at this stage,” said Dlamini.
“However, we shall investigate the alleged conflict of interest if any.
“The companies mentioned have been appointed on an as-needed basis, and there has been no cost incurred by the city at this stage.”
The said accident occurred on the R21 highway just before the Pomona off-ramp in Ekurhuleni, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
Luxury vehicle fitted with blue lights
The ANC has since revealed that the MMC was being chauffeured by an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) in the luxury vehicle fitted with blue lights, despite having access to EMPD vehicles driven by his protection detail.
Jongizizwe Dlabathi, ANC regional spokesperson, sympathised with Dunga and the other victims notwithstanding the blurred detail.
Dlabathi raised concerns, stating: “While we are sensitive to the accident, there are allegations to be clarified. Why did an EMPD protector drive Dunga in a car that does not belong to the city?
“Is the protector permitted to drive Dunga in a vehicle not registered under Dunga’s name, having noted that the car belongs to another person?
“Why was the private car installed with blue lights? We are seeking the above information to satisfy ourselves that all the security provision to MMCs is above board.”
Dlamini has explained that “all MMCs are allocated VIP protectors from the EMPD”.
Investigations are expected to shed more light on the situation and determine whether there was any misconduct in this case.
Sunday World has reached out to EFF Gauteng spokesperson Dumisani Baleni but could not get a comment at the time of publishing.
