Former Home Affairs official Zakhele Khuzwayo alleges life destroyed for rejecting corruption

Allegations have surfaced that Zakhele Khuzwayo, a senior official at the Department of Home Affairs, has become a victim of what some describe as a deliberate campaign to punish integrity.

The controversy centers on tender DHA02-2021, awarded in April 2021 to Foursight IT Business Solutions CC, allegedly led by Johanna Phenya, wife of the late businessman Eric Phenya. The contract required a subcontractor under a 70/30 arrangement, with Foursight allegedly appointing Aim Right Trading 102 CC.

Khuzwayo, then Director of Information Systems Security and a member of the Bid Specification Committee, alleges that his refusal of an alleged bribe, reportedly a paid trip to Greece for him and his wife, made him a target. Following his refusal, Foursight allegedly filed complaints accusing him of corruption, collusion, and misconduct.

According to Khuzwayo, the Department allegedly accepted these complaints without proper investigation. Surveillance was reportedly used against him, and auditing firm BDO was allegedly brought in to justify his removal.

The matter allegedly escalated when then Minister Aaron Motsoaledi informed the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that Khuzwayo had been dismissed for corruption. Khuzwayo alleges that no disciplinary hearing or ruling had taken place and that the public statement amounted to defamation.

Facing intense pressure, Khuzwayo resigned. But his ordeal allegedly continued. He claims his name was blacklisted on PERSAL, barring future public employment, while his pension fund remains frozen. Bargaining councils, which should have provided recourse, allegedly delayed or obstructed his attempts to seek justice.

To Khuzwayo, the case is a stark example of how resisting corruption can come at a personal cost. He alleges that his career, financial security, and reputation were destroyed, leaving him a victim of a system that allegedly punishes integrity to protect those with influence.