South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal education department faces action over a R2.5M toilet contract awarded without bidding, found invalid due to overcharging, no services, and fraud.

South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education faces disciplinary action against 16 officials over a R2.5 million contract for chemical toilets awarded in June 2020 without competitive bidding, violating procurement laws. A Special Tribunal ruled the contract invalid, citing overcharging by more than 100%, services never rendered, and payments split to bypass thresholds. The contractor, Hawulethu (Pty) Ltd, delivered toilets before being officially appointed and is ordered to repay all profits with interest. The Special Investigating Unit found evidence of collusion, false declarations, and undisclosed conflicts of interest. Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has been directed to act, and the department will strengthen procurement oversight.