Corruption claims hang over BNOC
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 10, 2017 14:50
BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho declined to comment on the matter. “Check the ministry, it would be their issue,” that is all Serufho said when contacted for comment yesterday.
MYESCD chief public relations officer, Thobo Tlhasana said he was unaware of any investigation, although he promised to find out. “I am not privy to that, I will check for you,” Tlhasana said, adding he would have the information today.
But sources are adamant the BNOC board is under investigation for maladministration. The source said an anonymous person reported the BNOC to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in January.
The DCEC then referred the matter to MYESCD’s anti-corruption unit for further investigation, it is claimed.
DCEC public relations officer, Phakamile Kraai requested written questions on the matter yesterday.
The DCEC had reportedly been asked to look into “numerous unconstitutional meetings”. “(The) Board can meet three times a week in an effort to earn sitting allowances, especially towards holidays.
Issues that can be grouped and discussed in one sitting are often spread across several days.
“Per diem or travel allowances are awarded to board members and yet miss (sic) those meetings the stipends are meant for. At times board members will spend less days than reflected by the allowances.
”The source further alleged that board members have preferred suppliers and disregard established procedures regardless of prices.
The DCEC was allegedly asked to look into the appointment of consultants and managers without the expression of interest nor interviews “owing to friendships with board members”.
It is alleged that there is misuse of the organisation’s assets for personal use.