With the Integrated Public Transport Network’s (IPTN) Hauweng bus service just more than a week away from being implemented in Bloemfontein, the Mangaung Metro is now dealing with the report on huge corruption regarding this project.
Fikile Mbalula, former Minister of Transport, asked for the forensic report on the IPTN in 2022, with the report handed over to Mangaung last week.
At a news conference on Friday, 1 March, Gregory Nthatisi, executive mayor of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, said that those facing allegations of maladinistration and corruption with the IPTN project would be dealt with.
He said the IPTN was aimed at providing residents of the city with affordable, safe, and reliable transportation. “Those entrusted with this project are now facing allegations of maladministration and corruption.
“I have to take action within 90 days according to the report, and it recommends disciplinary action and criminal charges to be laid against those implicated,” said Nthatisi.
He said the forensic report would focus on three departments – procurement, infrastructure, and the vehicle operating company.
The metro’s deputy mayor, Lulama Titi-Odili, said the buses were doing dry runs through the city now, and operations to Brandwag and the University of the Free State (UFS) would start on Saturday, 16 March.
Nthatisi also reported on the national intervention team being withdrawn from the metro.
“We received a report from the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Thembi Nkadimeng, stating that Cogta had removed the intervention team from Mangaung. This indicates that things are starting to shape up since the appointment of senior management,” said Nthatisi.
