Lesufi, an MEC for education in Gauteng, is alleged to imply he could bend rules on tender processes at a meeting that took place at school in Soshanguve, Pretoria, that was recorded.
The allegations further state it took place in May 2020.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to explain how contracts were advertised and adjudicated.
After the meeting, Lesufi said he instructed his department to respond to and assess the infrastructure and electricity complaints on behalf of the school.
“Consequently, a service provider that is on the GDE panel of contractors, was appointed to perform the electrical and other work at the school and that work was successfully completed,” he said.
According to a Sunday newspaper, it claims it was in possession of a recording in which Lesufi is alleged to have told a group of people that he wanted to ensure that people were satisfied at all costs. He told them that if they wanted to be awarded tenders, they needed to talk to him and then apply via the correct channels for record purposes, but he would not assist “traitors”.
Lesufi, has denied the allegations citing the recording had been tampered with and the allegations were an attempt to destroy his character.
“It is unfortunate that the recording that is circulated was seriously manipulated and tampered with as it deliberately excludes the beginning of the said meeting where the purpose of the session was explained in detail. The manipulated voice clip only contains areas where the MEC was responding to questions that were raised by members of the community.
“I am fully aware that there are forces at play who want to assassinate my character for political expediency. Unfortunately, in a democratic society the accuser doesn’t have to prove their allegations but the accused must prove their innocence,” he said.
Says Lesufi:”The allegation that this was a secret meeting is baseless and unfounded.”
“I am fully aware that there are forces at play who want to assassinate my character for political expediency,” he said.
Lesufi’s department is embroiled in a controversy over an alleged R431m dodgy schools sanitation tender and since then, a call was made for his head.
Premier Makhura has remained firm and said he support Lesufi, a Swallows FC boss.
This a plan to remove both Makhura and Lesufi ahead of local elections in May.
The EFF in Gauteng has called for Lesufi’s removal.
Image (Worried. Panyaza Lesufi –Education MEC in GP -faces fresh allegations of corruption).
