Mkhwebane is today set to release a number of investigative reports at the PP House at the Hillcrest Office Park in Pretoria. 

Another due report that is not expected today, is that of the failed Estina Vrede Dairy Project. Millions of taxpayers' money were wasted in the alleged fraud and corruption, in which the former FS premier Ace Magashule and the former MEC Mosebenzi Zwane were implicated, amongst others.         

Earlier this year, Mkhwebane quietly released this report highlighting procurement irregularities, "gross negligence" and maladministration related to the controversial Vrede Dairy Project. This was arguably Mkhwebane's most politically sensitive report.

The High Court in Pretoria set aside Mkhwebane’s report and ordered her to foot bill of the legal costs for the DA and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac), which meant she had to revise the report looking into the potential role played by politicians, including Magashule.

In July 2019, Mkhwebane said the investigative report on the website worth millions of rands - which had to be redesigned during Magashule's reign - was at an advanced stage. She says it is being dealt with without fear or favour, despite allegations that she is biased and selective.

According to recent reports, the provincial government stands accused of paying R40 million, and not R140 million, to have its website redesigned.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including organs of state, has already heard testimony related to the Estina Dairy project from whistleblowers, residents and government officials.

OFM News previously reported that it is alleged that the Provincial Agriculture Department spent over R220 million on it, yet financial statements show that only R2 million can be accounted for. During his presentation at the commission, Free State DA MPL Roy Jankielsohn testified on how MEC Mamiki Qabathe implemented some projects after taking over from then MEC Mosebenzi Zwane – who became the national minister of Mineral Resources.

Jankielsohn said Qabathe failed to give clear and detailed reports and figures on written questions about the Estina Project in the Provincial Legislature. He said some of the answers to his questions indicated that the department committed to pay a total contribution of R342 million over a period of 3 years in tranches of R114 million per year. Jankielsohn said during his testimony at the Commission into allegations of State Capture he was further informed that the first financial contribution was done in two payments of R30 million and R84 million.

OFM News