Gauteng official signed 'illegal' deal

Johannesburg - Gauteng transport head Benedicta Monama allegedly signed a R3bn contract, despite being cautioned by the provincial treasury the deal was illegal, The Star reported on Wednesday.

The Treasury apparently told Monama in February to halt the awarding of the contract, and later advised her against appointing WestPoint Trading Enterprises 123 to manage and operate more driving licence testing centres in the province.

The Treasury argued that the centres were not sustainable, and pointed out the poor management of cash and staff at the centres.

The centres were established to test cars' roadworthiness and learner drivers' ability.

Transport MEC Ismail Vadi - who was allegedly made aware of the deal on May 31 - told The Star on Tuesday night that he would demand answers from her.

"I conferred with the MEC for finance on the matter. We both agreed that the said (service level agreement) is unlawful. I have formally written to (Monama) informing her that I consider the (agreement) to be invalid and of nor force and effect," he said.

"I also indicated to (Monama) that she was acting without the required authority or mandate to conclude the (agreement). The matter, together with the Auditor General's report released recently, is currently under further investigation by my office."

Monama told the daily: "I don't want to respond to my boss in the media."

The Star said it could not reach WestPoint's managing director Zazi Dladla for comment.