Protector to probe labour department tender

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela will investigate a complaint of a conflict of interest in the awarding of a R1,9bn labour department tender.

This after United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa submitted a complaint to the protector's office claiming that Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant was a close relative of a director in a company which was awarded the R1.9 billion tender, the Sunday Independent reported.

"As a result of this apparent corrupt relationship, Accenture SA was procured to a closed tender and the minister did not declare her relationship to Accenture," said Holomisa in his complaint.

Madonsela's spokesman, Oupa Segalwe confirmed to the newspaper that Oliphant would be informed that an investigation into the allegations would take place.

Accenture spokesman Zweli Mnisi told the newspaper that since the claims were first raised in April, the company had investigated the matter and found that all correct processes had been followed with the labour department.

"We are not aware of any additional review or investigation but will co-operate with the authorities on this matter as appropriate," said Mnisi.