Denel asked to fast-track investigation into Mahumapelo’s son’s bursary

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan says he would like the newly-appointed board of arms manufacturer, Denel, to fast-track its investigation into the awarding of a more than R1.1 million bursary to North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s son.

The SABC is in possession of a copy of the contract of the bursary. In it Denel undertakes to pay for Mahumapelo’s Oarabile’s flights, accommodation, meals and laundry. In a statement sent out by Gordhan’s spokesperson Adrain Lekay, the Minister has immediately instructed the board to prioritise investigations into the matter.

The statement says the minister wants to determine whether processes were manipulated or abused to score Mahumapelo’s son this lucrative bursary to study as a pilot. The application for this bursary was submitted late, with no attached matric results or witnesses signatures.

Raising the eye further, was the approval of the bursary two months after the cut of date, signed by Denel CEO himself. Meanwhile trade union, Solidarity says it is on stand-by to take the matter to court if there are any delays to start these investigations. Mahumapelo or his office is yet to reply on this matter.