The Gauteng Department of Education and Youth Development (GDE) has served three senior managers with charges related to the millions of rand spent on decontamination of schools.
The charges are in line with recommendations made by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) after it probed the more than R430 million worth of contracts to decontaminate and clean schools in Gauteng.
“Following the referral by the SIU and the analysis of the evidence, it has been recommended that the head of supply chain, chief director for infrastructure development, and acting director for auxiliary services be charged in accordance with the findings in the investigation report,” said the GDE.
“As these investigations are still ongoing, we cannot rule out the possibility of charging or adding others.”
The GDE said it intends for this process to be facilitated by an independent body outside the department.
In that regard, the GDE said it approached the Office of the State Attorney to assist in appointing a senior official to preside over this matter.
“Subsequently, an experienced advocate has been appointed in that regard, and hearings are set to begin from 5 October 2021,” said the GDE.
“We remain grateful to the SIU for the work done thus far and we are committed to co-operate with them.
“Even though we do not want to prejudge the outcome of the disciplinary hearing it is paramount to reiterate our position in this matter, that the officials who caused this expenditure cannot escape our censure.”
The decontamination and cleaning of schools was ostensibly part of efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19.
