Thamsanqa Ntuli, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, has ordered an investigation into the R100-million youth fund following claims that some of the businesses it funds were hand-picked and did not fulfil the necessary requirements.
Additionally, it was claimed that some of the businesses are owned by young people with political connections who are associated with prominent provincial politicians and political parties.
Ntuli spoke to the media about the investigation earlier on Monday in Durban.
His speech comes as the fund is under increasing pressure following allegations that Malusi Ndima, the former youth director in his office, brought a prepared list to the former director-general, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, and wanted to force him to sign it.
Ndima allegedly lost her temper and threatened Mkhize when she refused to sign a document that Mkhize had requested.
Since then, Mkhize has asserted that she was the victim of gender-based violence, a claim that Ndima and Ntuli’s office have strongly denied.
Fact-based investigation
“In closing, I wish to address a matter that has attracted significant public attention and concern, the allegations circulating on social media regarding political interference and corruption in the administration of the youth fund initiative,” Ntuli said.
“It has been alleged that some of the beneficiaries of this programme may have been selected based on political affiliation or proximity to certain political formations.
“These are serious claims, and as the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, I want to assure the public that we do not take them lightly.”
He continued: “In the interest of upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, I have instructed the acting director-general to initiate an independent, facts-based investigation into the implementation of the youth fund, with a specific focus on beneficiary selection processes from the inception of the programme to the present.”
Ntuli said he wants to know how the recipients were chosen and funded, among other things, when he announced the investigation.
Promise to serve with integrity
“This investigation must account for the full list of beneficiaries and their associated enterprises, the due processes followed in adjudicating and approving applications, and, critically, the return on investment, given that this programme is funded through public resources.
“Upon completion, the findings of the investigation will be made public,” according to the premier.
He continued: It is my firm expectation that the names of all approved beneficiaries, the rationale for their selection, and the outcomes of their supported ventures will be transparently published for public scrutiny.
He insisted that his government is transparent and will answer to the province’s citizens.
“Our commitment is to serve with integrity, and we will not allow any programme, especially one as vital as the youth fund, to be undermined by impropriety, favouritism, or political manipulation.
“We are building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. That starts with accountability to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
