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[edke] Enquiries: Ms T Sigwaza
Telephone: 012 336 6600
Reference: 2/1/5/1
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: QUESTION 3257 FOR WRITTEN REPLY
A draft reply to the above question asked by Mr D A Kganare (Cope) is
attached for your consideration.
ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL
DATE:
DRAFT REPLY APPROVED/AMENDED
MRS B E E MOLEWA, MP
MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
DATE:
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO. 3257
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 OCTOBER 2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO. 33)
3257. Mr D A Kganare (Cope) to ask the Minister of Water and Environmental
Affairs:
(1) Whether the South African Municipal Workers Union of the Free
State informed her of allegations of tender irregularities at
Bloem Water; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(2) whether she will investigate the allegations; if not, why not;
if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether she has been informed that as a result of interaction
between some shop stewards and her advisor, these shop stewards
has since been suspended; if not, what is the position in this
regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(4) whether she intends taking any steps to protect these whistle
blowers; if not, why not; if so, what steps;
(5) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
NW3873E
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REPLY:
1) Yes, a letter was received from the South African Municipal
Workers Union (SAMWU) containing various allegations of
mismanagement and corruption at Bloem Water.
2) I am in the process of appointing an independent auditor to
investigate the allegations by SAMWU. The copy of the terms of
reference will be submitted to me for approval before the
auditor is appointed.
(3) The shop stewards of SAMWU were suspended, charged and
subsequently dismissed following internal disciplinary hearings.
The charges were unrelated to the interaction with my advisor.
Whistle blower protection is embodied in government policy.
(4) All whistleblowers, irrespective of whether they are SAMWU shop
stewards or not, must and will be protected if we want to win
the war on corruption. If the whistle blower requires protection
it will be provided according to Government regulations.
(5) No, it must still be established whether the allegations by
SAMWU can be substantiated. An appropriate decision to issue a
statement or not will be based on the outcome of the
investigations.
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