MPUMALANGA — The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT) has refuted

allegations by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that it may have paid R2 million for the installation of only two JoJo tanks at a

school in Carolina.

The department was responding to a statement issued by the DA on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in which the party said it had

written to Premier Mandla Ndlovu, requesting an investigation into a potential fraud after discovering that the department

may have paid contractor KZK General Trading R2 million for the installation of two 2 500-litre JoJo tanks at Carolina

Academy School.

The DA further said it made the discovery during an oversight visit last week, adding that the service provider was appointed

by DPWRT in 2020 to install JoJo tanks, pumps, urinals and basins at the school.

“The contractor installed two 2 500-litre JoJo tanks, eight urinals and 16 basins at the school. According to information

gathered, the contractor invoiced Public Works R2 million for work done, but the principal of Carolina Academy School

refused to sign off the invoice as he believed the amount charged for the work done was ridiculous and inflated,” the DA

said in a statement.

“At current market value, the price of a single 2 500-litre JoJo tank in South Africa ranges from R10 000 to R11 000,

depending on the model and retailer. These prices also include delivery.”

The party also said that, according to its source, between 2020 and 2024 the school principal had been receiving threats and

intimidation from both the Mpumalanga Department of Education and DPWRT to sign off on the work so that the contractor

could be paid.

“But to date, the principal has stood his ground and refused to sign for the work. There is no confirmation yet whether the

contractor was eventually paid the invoiced R2 million or not,” the DA said.

In response, DPWRT dismissed the allegations as misleading and inaccurate, saying the conduct displayed by the DA

undermines informed public discourse and disregards the importance of verifying information before it is communicated.

The department said it can confirm that the contractor in question was paid a total of R2 158 520.73 for work undertaken

across three separate projects, not one as alleged.

“Umtulwana Primary School (R643 089.30), Umzimvelo Agricultural School (R752 786.32) and Carolina Academy

Combined School (R762 645.11),” said department spokesperson Bongani Dhlamini.

“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to attribute the total amount solely to Carolina Academy School or to a specific

component of work.”

Dhlamini added that the department notes with serious concern the DA’s failure to formally request information before

going public with what it described as unfounded allegations.

He said the detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ), which clearly outlines the scope of work and associated costs, is readily

available within the department and could have been accessed through proper channels.

“This reckless disregard for due process reflects a blatant intention to mislead the public rather than to seek the truth,”

Dhlamini said.