By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Somizi Mhlongo at Hang Awt Restaurant with Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane hosting a cook-off as the pre-buget speech event back in May. Photo Credit:Gallo Images.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has launched an investigation into Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane cook-off saga.
According to the PSC, a complaint was received through its anti-corruption hotline, alleging “procurement irregularities at the National Office of the Department of Tourism.”
According to the complaint, in May, a tender worth R150,000 for a cookout in Tembisa, Gauteng was “irregularly awarded” to DJ Shimza, real name Ashley Raphala.
The PSC said it is alleged the tender awarded to Shimza was not registered on the tourism department’s service provider database, and that “normal procurement regulations were contravened as other service providers that are registered on the database were not considered.”
The letter continues by stating that Shimza alleged on Twitter he was “simply called by the Department to submit a quotation and that he was subsequently awarded the tender.”
In the aftermath of the announcement of the cook-off, there was an outcry over Shimza allegedly benefiting from political connections as his long-time girlfriend is reportedly Athi Geleba, head of digital communications in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office.
Shimza has since said Geleba had no interest in any of his businesses or any relationship in the Tourism Department and his establishment had never received any business or funding from government before the event.
The 17 May cook-off was supposed to boost tourism in Ekurhuleni, but an investigation by eNCA’s Checkpoint in June revealed the event likely did the opposite.
TV and radio personality Somizi Mhlongo was present at the event, which took place at Shimza’s Hang Awt Restaurant.
Ramaphosa, in a highly anticipated Cabinet reshuffle,has since appointed Kubayi-Ngubane as the minister of human settlements.