C-Squared is being investigated by the Hawks after allegations that its appointment as Macufe 2022 service provider was irregular. The company is not making headlines for doing business with the department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, but for doing business with the provincial government. The Premier Mxolisi Dukwana’s written reply revealed that the events company was appointed as the service provider for the funeral of the late MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe. Numerous unsuccessful attempts were made to source a comment from the owner of C-Squared, Ben Moseme.

The government’s decision to do business with C-Squared irrespective of the investigation is not the only thing that concerns the opposition party. 

The DA’s leader in the province, Roy Jankielsohn, said the cost of Makgoe’s three funeral events amounted to R3 432 676. It seems most money at the funeral was used for beverages, which amounted to R1 288 500. Different artists charged R355 000, flowers were R59 000, 20 couches for the family and dignitaries at two events cost a total of R28 380, a casket and burial plot were R130 900, and various other items that included lighting, stages, red carpets, projectors, and toilets added to the total of over R3 million.

The spokesperson to the premier, Sello Dithebe, confirmed that the funeral events did cost R3 432 676. “The Provincial Government would like the cost to be looked at in context, given the stature of the deceased MEC Makgoe, who was known all over the Free State and South Africa and accordingly, multitudes of people from across the country, were expected at his funeral.”  

Jankielsohn concludes that the DA will draft a complaint for investigation by the Public Protector on what they regard as abuse and plundering of state resources by the provincial government. In reply, Dithebe states if there is evidence that the amount in question constituted malfeasance, such will be dealt with, in the context of consequence management. “In the meanwhile, the FS EXCO will wait for the report of the Public Protector and will do everything, to cooperate with this important Chapter 9 institution.”

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