The DA has called for a Public Protector investigation into eThekwini’s soup kitchen programme, alleging possible corruption, procurement failures and unsafe conditions, amid claims of inflated food pricing and mismanagement.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has referred alleged corruption and procurement irregularities in eThekwini Municipality’s soup kitchen programme to the Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka.
The party is requesting a full investigation into possible financial misconduct, inflated pricing, and health and safety violations in a programme costing about R280-million annually.
The party alleges that the tender documentation it has reviewed points to possible price inflation in food supply contracts, including an instance where a 10kg bag of samp was reportedly charged at about R2,500, compared to an estimated retail price of around R100.
“The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that corruption is responsible for eThekwini spending R2,500 per bag of samp for its soup kitchens. These 10kg bags cost R100 in a retail store,” DA eThekwini mayoral candidate Haniff Hoosen said in relation to the allegations.
