This is according to the ANC Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Committee, Vusi Tshabalala. Speaking to OFM News regarding the controversial project, Tshabalala says they have noted the report by the Public Protector was under discussion last week. He says his Committee is to ensure that all the involved members of the executive are held accountable as per the remedial actions of the Public Protector.

The report by Public Protector released late last year indicated that there was definite political interference in the Vrede Dairy Farm Project. The report fingered, among others, former premier Ace Magashule, former Agriculture MEC Mosebenzi Zwane, MEC Mamiki Qabathe, and former agriculture HOD Peter Thabethe. Mkhwebane said the allegation that the Provincial Executive Council improperly appropriated funds to ensure the payment of Estina, even after the department's cancellation of the contract, was substantiated.

Amongst her remedial actions, she ordered Ntombela to take action within 30 working days and ensure appropriate sanction to the relevant MEC for failure to exercise oversight responsibility.

She further indicated that some cases be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further investigations.

Ntombela will before the end of May be expected to brief the Legislature's committee on her plan of action in accordance with the remedial actions by Mkhwebane.

OFM News