The government which is now already under scrutiny for the controversial Ramkraal project earmarked for the construction of a new Legislature Complex and the infamous Vrede Dairy project is now being accused of selling a portion of land at the Free State Psychiatric Complex to the value of R48.9 million.
It is alleged that the property has been sold to a private company run by former Premier Ace Magashule’s close ally, while the much needed renovations at the hospital itself has not begun.
It is alleged that the sale of the property at this psychiatric hospital was not above board and is sold to a company- Sedtrade Consortium- which usually scores lucrative contracts from the provincial government.
It is alleged that over R120 million has already been spent for the Ramkraal project yet the building still stands dilapidated, while questions regarding the more than R250 million earmarked to assist farmers through the Vrede project remains unanswered.
Auditor-General’s Aletta Van Tromp, confirmed that procurement processes in the Ramkraal project were not followed and that they are still trying to establish reasons as to why this historic site was chosen for the construction of a new Legislature Complex.
During her presentation on the progress report into millions that were allegedly paid for this project, she also confirmed that the documents in their possession indicated an expenditure of close to R90 million but it remained worrisome that some stakeholders involved in this project had not submitted all the required documents.
Van Tromp also confirmed that the documents in their possession indicated an expenditure of close to R90 million but it remained worrisome that some stakeholders involved in this project had not submitted all the required documents.
The Free State Development Corporation (FDC) a few months ago made national headlines when corruption allegations regarding Magashule and his daughter, Thoko Alice Malembe, who scored a R9 million deal surfaced.
Katleho Morapela / OFM News
