DA calls for probe into R140m

Wednesday, 20 March 2013 00:00 Written by Staff writer
The official opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), is calling on the auditor-general (AG) to investigate premier Ace Magashule’s alleged abuse of R140 million for a Free State government Web site.

This follows a Sowetan exposé that Magashule awarded a contract to businessman Tumi Ntsele to build what the DA says is the “most expensive Web site in the history of SA”.

Patricia Kopane, DA leader in the Free State, was not immediately able to indicate which Web site for the province cost R140 million, and the article also does not make this information available.

The Sowetan reported that Free State DG Elzabe Rockman signed the three-year contract to redesign the Web site in 2011. She had reportedly disputed the amount, claiming it was actually R40 million.

The agreement was signed with Ntsele, who reportedly holds tenders with several other provincial departments, the paper wrote. It was reported that the company was awarded the tender even though two other companies submitted significantly lower bids.