A dark cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of KwaZulu-Natal Ezemvelo Wildlife, with internal political disputes, administrative problems and other issues threatening to undermine its numerous successes. A recent forensic audit by Deloitte & Touche found 47 employees, from general staff to top management level, were allegedly involved in fraud and corruption.
The audit also pointed fingers at certain service providers for alleged fraudulent activity. Mtholephi Mthimkhulu, the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA) MEC, based his decision to suspend the Board on the findings of the forensic audit. Board members are now challenging the validity of their suspensions in court. Meanwhile, the MEC has appointed independent administrators to fill in for the suspended board until the court ruling. – Lloyd Phillips
