The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that MEC for Environmental Affairs, Shyla Peters, act against the corrupt Loyiso Mkwana, Chief Director for Sustainable Use of Environment. Mkwana has not been suspended or dismissed despite the revelations of a R33.7 million irregular contract awarded with his approval.
This emerged during a recent oral reply to the DA’s questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) when MEC Peters confirmed that no action had been taken on the matter and Mkwana remained in his job on full pay. This further highlight how under Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government misconduct and corruption are too often ignored and accepted without any corrective action.
In 2024, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) revealed that Mkwana, then Chief Director for sustainable use of the Environment, played a central role in awarding a multi-million-rand tender to Enviro Mobi despite the company failing to meet even the most basic tender requirements, and without the required submission of a 3-year costing plan. However, the deal was approved despite no oversight and with total disregard for the law. The department also paid over R6,4 million in unexplained ‘storage fees’ as well as millions more in unverified and possibly inflated costs.
Despite fraud charges, SIU referrals, and ongoing court proceedings at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, Mkwana has not been suspended. He is still drawing a salary, funded by hardworking taxpayers, and operating within the same department.
The DA Gauteng demands the following immediate actions from MEC Peters and Premier Panyaza Lesufi:
• The immediate suspension of Loyiso Mkwana pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
• A full forensic report on all current tender beneficiaries linked to the BEC chaired by Mkwana.
• A formal declaration to the GPL explaining how this scandal was allowed to unfold under ANC watch and why no one has been held accountable.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have suspended Mkwana pending the outcomes of the court and ensured proper oversight in the awarding of tenders so that only competent and meeting requirements companies are awarded tenders.
A government that refuses to punish the corrupt is a government that has chosen corruption. Our Gauteng residents deserve better, a transparent and accountable provincial government. The DA Gauteng will not rest until those responsible are brought to book.