Government department paid R27.8 million for 90 pothole-repair machines which have not been used in five years

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, said it was premature to undertake any action after spending R27.8 million on machines which were never used.

She shared this information in response to a Parliamentary question by a member of the National Assembly, Pumlani Kubukeli.

She previously revealed that her department procured 90 pothole-repair machines at a cost of R27.8 million, which have remained unused for almost five years.

After the Department of Defence and Military Veterans purchased the machines, there was no training or implementation plan in place.

The department has since referred the matter to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for proper investigation and recovery of funds.

As such, the machines are currently held as evidence in an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigating Unit.

Kubukeli asked Motshekga what mitigation plan she has put in place to ensure that the machines are deployed to benefit military veterans and service delivery.

He also asked what steps have been taken to secure SIU authorisation for their release, and the date on which the machines will become operational.

Motshekga responded, saying it was premature to take any action in the current climate while the machines are under investigation.

“At the right time, the department will look at a number of possibilities, including crafting a strategy that will ensure their productive usage,” she said.

“Alternatively, the plan may entail a disposal process to recoup misused funds, in line with the National Treasury prescripts.”

She said that the department will adopt whichever strategy is best suited at that time, with the best interests of military veterans in mind.

Motshekga added that SIU’s work has not been concluded. It is, therefore, premature to request the release of the machines.

“The date for starting to use the machines is not determinable at this point, as the finalisation of investigations is still unclear,” she said.

Allegations that the machines were rented out

Member of Parliament Carl Niehaus previously alleged that the pothole machines were illegally rented out to other parties.

He added that certain individuals within the Department of Defence and Military Veterans enriched themselves through such processes.

Motshekga responded that she was not aware of anyone using the department’s roller drum machines.

“If you are aware of such officials renting out the machines for their own benefit, I will be very pleased to receive such information,” she said.

“During the recent asset verification and inspection, the Department’s Internal Asset Management Unit reported that the machines are intact and under safe storage.”