Mokhesi on Monday had to answer critical questions regarding his role as an accounting officer and how his department signed off on a R1 billion contract to build low cost housing units between 2010 and 2011, but failed to do so.

Mokhesi, who was recently fingered for gross negligence in a Public Protector report over a R255 million asbestos removal deal, now has to account for how the department signed off on a R1 billion housing contract in 2010 without much to show for it.

Mokhesi's testimony on Monday drew much attention to how the department has, on several occasions, failed to follow proper procurement procedures.

Contractors and suppliers were paid over R600 million while no houses were built.

Responding to questions posed by evidence leader, Advocate Paul Pretorius, Mokhesi confirmed the department made an advance payment to contractors in fear that failure to spend the cash would result in National Treasury redirecting funds to other provinces.

Mokhesi said it was unclear how many houses had been built so far, but he revealed that very little had been delivered.

He said this was prior to his assumption of duties as an accounting officer, but was made aware of this once he assumed office.

His predecessor, HOD Gift Mokoena, is soon expected to take the stand.

OFM News