KIMBERLEY – A chief director at the Department of Education’s Curriculum Management Unit, Gobonamang Doris Sibiya (59); a former director of Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution, Tshegofatso Kenabatho Gopane (44); and an entity, Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution, were arrested this week and are facing charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering.
Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, spokesperson of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), says the arrests took place on Tuesday, 26 August, led by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.
Mnisi says it is alleged that during May 2020, the Department of Education awarded a tender to Tshela Bophelo Wellness Solution to conduct Covid-19 orientation and training with ongoing support at 554 schools, at the head office, as well as in five district offices in and around Kimberley. The contract was awarded for an amount exceeding R6.5 million.
It is alleged that Sibiya, in her official capacity, submitted a motivation for the company to be awarded the contract in accordance to the single service provider method as per the department’s Supply Chain Management Policy, whereas the company did not possess or meet the unique requirements.
Investigation further revealed that Sibiya accepted an amount of R10 000 from Gopane without any declaration.
The Kimberley Magistrates’ Court granted the accused R10 000 bail each and the case is postponed to 17 September.
