Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is launching an investigation into the Durban University of Technology (DUT) following serious allegations of fraud and corruption related to a R400-million construction project.
Scopa chairperson Songezo Zibi confirmed he has taken note of the reports and will be sending detailed questions and requests for documents to the university. He has also notified the Auditor-General’s office of the matter.
The project, which is two years behind schedule and millions of rands over budget, was intended to build new lecture halls, laboratories, and accommodation for 800 students across the university’s Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses. It has now been halted completely.
The scandal centers on allegations that the contract was awarded irregularly to a company, BorCon Construction, without a proper tender process. Its director, Brad Boertjie, reportedly admitted to receiving a R76-million contract without having to bid for the work. Investigations revealed his company did not have the required construction grading for a project of this size.
The university has repeatedly declined to answer questions, citing an ongoing arbitration process. However, it has emerged that two procurement officials, Thabani Mhlongo and Siphelele Kweyama, have been asked to explain the irregular processes and face possible suspension.
The site was recently shut down by the Department of Labour after it was found that BorCon did not have a valid work permit.
The intervention by Scopa and the Auditor-General marks a significant escalation in the scandal, putting pressure on the university’s leadership to account for the alleged mismanagement of public funds that has deprived students of crucial infrastructure. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has been informed that an internal investigation is underway.