OVER R14 million was spent and paid to two service providers for the installation of the fence around the border gate between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Musina, Limpopo.
The controversial R40 million fence caused a big uproar in 2020 when it was found to be of an unacceptable quality shortly after it was erected.
An inspection by the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala on Tuesday, 4 April revealed that the material used was of poor quality.
Zikalala said the money must be returned to the state as investigations found that the Beitbridge fence is unfit for purpose.
“The matter has been taken to tribunal through the Special Investigative Unit and we support the ruling. We affirm that government must recoup the money that was spent,” he said.
“It is said that the money that was given to the two contractors is above R14 million that must return to the state,” he said.
He also got a chance to interact with the border officials and get their views and experiences in one of the busiest ports of entry into South Africa.
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“As the department, we ensure all departments have the appropriate and quality infrastructure and South Africa’s border gates are a project that needs our attention,” Zikalala said.
He said the department decided to avoid undertaking any repairs on the fence as it would constitute wasteful expenditure.
“All those involved in wrongdoing will be punished,” said Zikalala.
He told Daily Sun that his department and the Department of Defence are working together to develop a feasibility study to construct an integrated borderline security infrastructure to effectively protect South African borders.
Resident Petrus Mangwana (44) said the fence made it easier for foreign nationals to cross into the country.
“The government wasted money erecting the fence because it is not fulfilling its purpose. Heads must roll for those who didn’t do their work because some foreigners do as they please, crossing the fence,” he said.
