A Mpumalanga businessman implicated in the R113 million school repairs scandal has faced scathing criticism for allegedly "stealing" funds earmarked for public schools while sending his own children to private institutions. The accusations were levelled during a bail application hearing in the Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) magistrate’s court, where 38 individuals, including 10 former and current government officials, are facing charges related to the allegedly illegal tender.
Ted Ripinga, one of those arrested by the Hawks between Sunday and Tuesday, requested that his bail be set at R20,000. However, prosecutor Advocate Prenisha Jagganath vehemently opposed this, arguing for higher bail amounts for all the accused, citing the egregious nature of the alleged crimes.
Jagganath argued that some of the accused had diverted funds intended for public school children, while simultaneously affording their own children the privilege of private education.
"Your worship, the amount involved in this case is R113m, and as the state we plead with the court to grant higher bail money so that the accused would not be able to forfeit it to the state," Jagganath stated.
She then directly addressed Ripinga's case, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy: "For example, in his affidavit, Mr Ted Ripinga tells the court that he can pay bail of R20,000, where we are dealing with money that was meant for public school children, and he tells the court that his children are attending private school at Curro."
Jagganath didn't mince her words, accusing Ripinga of directly benefiting from the alleged corruption at the expense of vulnerable children: "So he steals for public school and sends his children to private school."
Despite the prosecutor's strong objections, Magistrate Patrick Morris granted Ripinga bail of R20,000.
Other individuals granted bail include:
- Jabulani Nkosi, chief director for human resources at the Department of Health in Mpumalanga.
- Velamina Matsi-Seregile, director of construction and project management in the national Department of Public Works in Pretoria.
- Businessman Luka Mhlabane, who was granted R20,000 bail.
- Lulama Mhlabane, Luka's son and a student, who was granted R5,000 bail.
Of the 38 accused arrested in connection with the scandal, only 15 have been released on bail thus far. The Hawks allege that the officials involved handpicked companies to carry out school repairs at significantly inflated prices.
According to the Hawks' investigation, in some instances, payments were made despite no work having been completed. The funds were then allegedly transferred to the accounts of relatives or the officials themselves, further implicating them in the fraudulent scheme.
The R113 million tender was intended to improve the infrastructure of public schools in Mpumalanga, providing a better learning environment for thousands of children. The alleged corruption has deprived these schools of vital resources, hindering their ability to provide quality education. The case continues to unfold, with the remaining accused set to appear in court to apply for bail. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, as it represents a significant test of the justice system's ability to hold those who exploit public funds accountable for their actions.
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