Nearly a month ago, OFM News reported that Mkhwebane had absolved the former Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, and his 2013 government of any irregularity regarding the creation of the website in her 2020 report. She, however, instructed the provincial government to conduct a value-for-money audit within 30 days of the report being released. To date, OFM News is yet to receive comments from the office of Magashule’s successor, Sisi Ntombela, to ascertain whether this audit - meant to determine if the R84 million website is indeed worth the money paid - has been conducted.

Mkhwebane says, in her 2020 report, that there is no tangible evidence that proves the service provider - Cherry Ikamva Juggernaut JV, owned in part by Free State media maven, Tumi Ntsele - was irregularly awarded the over R84,5 million project. Initial media reports alleged Magashule had used his influence to award the project to his friend, Ntsele. According to Mkhwebane, a value-for-money audit was never conducted on the project and the website.

READ MORE: No tangible evidence of irregularity - PP on FS website

The project ceased when the funds were exhausted. Owing to this - and submissions made by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Free State provincial government at the time - the Public Protector couldn’t make a determination on whether value for money was derived from this project. The only “anomalies” that the Public Protector identified, related to the conduct of the supply chain management officials and members of the bid committees in the provincial government. She has recommended that said officials must undergo training on procurement policies. The Sowetan was the first to report on the alleged irregularity and alleged that it cost R140 million, resulting in a public outcry.

OFM News