The Education Union of South Africa (EUSA) has called for an independent forensic investigation into alleged looting of COVID-19 funds within the Department of Basic Education. The Union alleges that Basic Education procured 3 500 water tanks (Jojo Tanks) for R600 million.

1. 08 BALTEX ROAD, ISIPINGO, DURBAN 4110
078 051 2577/ 079 067 6390
s.mpungose@eusaunion.co.za
NATIONAL OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE
10 June 2020
EUSA CALLS FOR AN INDEPENDENT FORENSIC INVESTIGATION INTO THE
CRIMINAL AND CORRUPT LOOTING OF COVID-19 FUNDS WITHIN BASIC EDUCATION
We have received reports that the National Basic Education department has procured 3500
Water Tanks (Jojo Tanks) for R600 Million. This means that each Tank was purchased for
R171 428,57. According to a quotation we have received from Builders, one 2000 liter
Tank costs R1995 – meaning that 3500 Jojo Tanks should cost R6 982 500. So, in this
project alone, there has been a looting of R593 017 500 of the tax payers money within the
basic education department alone: double the Nkandla money. The Jojo Tanks provided by
the department should be much cheaper because they are of a much lesser capacity.
The KZN Education spokesperson released a statement stating that the department has
bought each 500 liter Jojo Tank for R28 000. The same capacity Jojo Tank costs R1 349
at Builders. The provincial department stole R26 651 from the purchase of each Jojo Tank.
More tenders for PPE’s like low quality masks and dangerous hand sanitizers, who’s
quality was never approved by SABS, were released without due process. This looting
spree was the only reason for the rushed reopening of schools and we have been trying to
warn the country of this. The alleged reports by specialists have not been made public
despite a number of requests from various bodies.
Learners and teachers have already died and more have been infected with the virus, which
is why EUSA calls for an independent forensic criminal investigation into the looting of
Covid-19 relief funds within the basic education department. We call on government to
give to this matter the same energy they have given to State of Capture and Nkandla
Security Upgrades matter. Unless President Ramaphosa wants to tell us that according to
the ANC corruption is only corruption when it’s done by an opposite function with the
party. We will report this crime to the SAPS and Public Protector in this coming week.
Issued by the Educators Union of South Africa
Kabelo Mahlobogwane
National Spokesperson
+27 768177819