Apology to Izwelethu Cemforce

During December 2019 and early this year, Daily Dispatch published several articles pertaining to a contract between the Chris Hani District Municipality and Izwelethu Cemforce. These articles were based on concerns raised by sources within the municipality as well as certain documentation, and related to payments made by the municipality to the company shortly after the tender was awarded.

The reportage by Daily Dispatch suggested that Izwelethu invoiced the municipality for the manufacture and installation of pit toilets, for which it was paid, while no construction had taken place on site. Izwelethu denied that the payments were irregular and said they were for the manufacture of the toilets, which was completed by the time invoices were rendered. Izwelethu Cemforce said this was all in line with its contract with the municipality as well as the General Conditions of Construction Works.

It appears that our interpretation of the records in our possession was incorrect. We therefore retract all statements to the effect that Izwelethu was paid upfront, without having done any work, and that payments were irregular.

Daily Dispatch also erroneously suggested that Izwelethu had charged the municipality for protective gear which had not been delivered. The municipality was not billed for protective gear and we retract this statement.

Daily Dispatch apologises to Izwelethu Cemforce for any misconceptions which may have been caused by our inaccurate reportage.