​Thembisa Shologu
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SARC) has rejected misleading media reports on the purchase of 55 mobile library trolleys.
The Department says the article, published by City Press which reported that the department spent more than R6.5 million to purchase 55 mobile library trolleys without following the correct process was untrue.​
MEC's Spokesperson, Nkosana Mtolo said documented evidence in the Assets Unit, indicates that the mobile library trolleys referred to in the article have been accordingly received by the end-user. 
Mtolo said the department participates in a tender issued by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) in line with procurement prescripts. 
"In this regard, the following process was followed; the Department's initial participation in the contract with GDE was in 2018, a further participation contract was entered into in October 2019, the terms of reference for the procurement of mobile library trolleys as part of the classroom collection project for the fifty (50) identified schools for the 2019/2020 fiscal year through tender: GT/GDE/019/2019 was presented and approved by Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) culminating with the delivery of the mobile library trolleys," Mtolo explained.
On the day of the payment run, 23 March 2020, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury (GPT) called to enquire about the transaction given its significance. 
"On the same day, the currently suspended Chief Director confirmed to both ACFO, Acting HoD and GPT that the items were received and that two trollies had an issue on door handles.
"The (suspended) Chief Director at this point indicated that the items were stored in a storeroom, as they could not be delivered directly to the schools due to the hard lockdown level 5, as all schools were closed," said Mtolo.
With the confirmation of the Chief Director, Mtolo said the mobile trolleys were received, the transaction was processed, and the payment was made.
Acting Head of Department (HOD), Vuyani Mpofu swiftly dealt with the case which remains a concern why the Department and MEC were brought into disrepute over a case long-handled.
"Lastly, the Department takes its task seriously and continues to act on cases of corruption and maladministration as they occur. The Department will accordingly contact the paper to request an apology and retraction," he concluded.