Two top KwaZulu-Natal officials—Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka—are facing growing pressure to resign following allegations their families benefited from lucrative government contracts. The uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party has labeled the scandal “dynasty-driven corruption” and called for immediate investigations.
The controversy centers on a R2.9 billion school nutrition program tender, with questions being raised about possible favoritism and procurement irregularities. Simelane acknowledged her family business received a 2008 loan from Ithala Bank but maintains she had no influence as a junior official at the time. She also denied personally benefiting during her later role as Agriculture Portfolio Committee chair, despite records showing her family company received R1.42 million from the Agriculture Department.
Hlomuka admitted registering a company now shortlisted for the school feeding tender but claims he transferred control to a relative when he entered government. MK party spokesman Nhlamulo Ndhlela dismissed these explanations, demanding probes by the Auditor-General, Public Protector, and Hawks into all companies linked to both MECs.
“This isn’t just about conflicts of interest—it’s about systemic corruption enabling political families to profit from public funds,” Ndhlela stated.
The allegations have sparked public outrage, with many questioning whether authorities will properly investigate or if the matter will be quietly sidelined. As calls for accountability grow, all eyes are on whether these high-profile officials will face consequences or continue in their roles.
