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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO provincial administrator and the 2014 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games’ local organising committee chairperson Khonzani Ncube yesterday said there was nothing peculiar about the continued nonpayment of the Games’ suppliers.

A number of companies have not been paid for the materials and services they provided during the December 2014 Games in Bulawayo and they have been pressing the local organising committee to pay them. Some suppliers have since closed shop while others face litigation as they are in huge arrears in terms of paying rates and rentals.

Ncube made the outburst in front of the Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane and the ministry’s principal director Benson Dube as they prepared to have lunch at a local hotel.

The minister had moments earlier called this reporter to clarify a certain issue about an article on his visit to Bulawayo.

“He (referring to the reporter) likes to write about these suppliers being owed time and again. Akulandaba ukuthi abakabhadalwa, kuyamangalisa?” thundered Ncube probably in an effort to get Minister Hlongwane and his delegation into commenting but the youthful minister was unmoved.

Speaking in an earlier interview before the Bulawayo provincial administrator’s remarks, Minister Hlongwane said he was aware of the government’s obligation of paying the suppliers and discussions were still ongoing.

“I’m aware of that issue but look, I’m only a few weeks old into the Ministry. We’re in discussion over it. I think for now that’s what I can say,” said Minister Hlongwane.