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Edwin Sodi wrapped up another appearance on the state’s arrest commission of inquiry Tuesday.
A YouTube screenshot of Edwin Sodi, director of Blackhead Consulting, testifying before the state capture commission in Johannesburg on September 29, 2020.
JOHANNESBURG – Blackhead Consulting Director Edwin Sodi has denied that his financing of a home for Free State HOD Nthimotse Mokhesi was intended to influence payments on a R255 million asbestos contract.
Sodi wrapped up another appearance on the state’s arrest commission of inquiry Tuesday.
The two gentlemen insist that the agreement was an investment.
Mokhesi was responsible for awarding Blackhead Consulting the R255 million contract for asbestos auditing and removal, without a supply chain process being followed.
The Free State Department of Housing HOD entered into a home settlement with Sodi.
“The Auditor General had already declared the contract invalid or irregular. Mr. Mokhesi had to decide whether he should continue to receive payment, and it was at his discretion, “said the commission’s evidence leader, attorney Paul Pretorius.
But Sodi denied that the deal was to grease Mokhesi’s palms.
“In my opinion, Mr. Mokhesi didn’t necessarily have to decide whether or not he wants to pay us. We had a contract. For example, if Mr. Mokhesi left or resigned, whoever got to that position would have had to fulfill the contract, ”Sodi said.
“There is certainly no influence that we could have tried to exert over Mr. Mokhesi to pay us. He was obliged to pay in terms of the contract that we signed with the department, “he added.
The house is registered in the Mokhesi family trust and Sodi is not listed as an investor, and a clause in their agreement said it should be kept confidential.
LOOK: Procedures of the state capture commission
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