A Special Investigating Unit probe into a department of land reform project was welcomed by information technology company Gijima on Sunday evening (2 February).<\/p>\n
Shares in the group declined in excess of 16% to 50 cents in mid morning trade on the JSE.<\/p>\n
\u201c…We welcome this investigation to remove any internal or external doubt or innuendoes, which would impact on the reputation of the department of rural development and land reform, as well as Gijima,\u201d the company said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The company said it wanted to clarify its position following a report in the Sunday Independent.<\/p>\n
The newspaper reported that President Jacob Zuma had authorised the investigation into a R360 million tender awarded to Gijima by the department.<\/p>\n
Gijima said that the company was not mentioned in the Government Gazette proclamation for the SIU probe.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the Government Gazette notification it states that the department of rural development and land reform and all its contracts are being investigated by the SIU. Gijima is not referenced in the Government Gazette, only project Vulindlela.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report implicated Gijima through its involvement in the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Sunday Independent as a result of the article is classifying Gijima with the same corruption allegations whilst the newspaper is very much aware of the true facts as embodied in the proclamation.<\/p>\n
\u201cGijima with its executive leadership team adheres to strict corporate governance and tender procedures.<\/p>\n
\u201cGijima’s executive team has at no time been implicated in any fraud or corruption activities at any level.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company and department were working to ensure that all checks and balances would be adhered to by the end of the project and that there was neither under- or over-charging for it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are quietly confident that we will be found in good order,\u201d the company said.<\/p>\n