In October, a Mail & Guardian report claimed Chiloane was involved in the R27-million fraud case linked to former ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe.

The report stated that Chiloane allegedly received R185,000 from a fraudulent vehicle tender while coordinating the infrastructure and transformation group in Ekurhuleni.

Mabe has been arrested and is due back in court next year.

Gauteng Education MEC spokesperson Xolani Mkhwente says the National Prosecuting Authority notified Chiloane on Wednesday that there is no case against him.

“We welcome this announcement because it not only underlines the integrity of MEC Chiloane and reaffirms his commitment to serving the people of Gauteng with transparency and accountability, but also serves as evidence that the allegations leveled against him were politically motivated.

“We mentioned on multiple occasions that Mr. Chiloane was not involved in the ongoing legal issues. It is well known that Mabe and Chiloane are childhood friends, but there is no illegality on the part of Mr Chiloane, as confirmed by the NPA.

“The accusations against the MEC have been nothing more than a poorly orchestrated plan to destroy his integrity for the benefit of narrower political interests. Undue criticism and calls for his dismissal from the Democratic Alliance have been proven to be unfounded. Such actions misdirect the attention of critics Issues that the Gauteng government should address”.

Mkhwente added that the MEC will take action against Mail & Guardian.

“The publication appears to have allowed itself to be used to wage political battles. In light of these developments, we will be taking legal action against the Mail & Guardian along with the journalist who wrote lies about the MEC.

“We believe that responsible journalism is essential to a healthy democracy, and we find it alarming that publications appear to be active players in politically charged struggles. Measures must be taken to ensure that the media does not continue to cause irreversible harm to people without take responsible measures.

“These political attacks will, however, not deter the MEC from continuing the work of establishing effective schools and learning institutions along with providing coordinated support to ensure that all students in Gauteng have the knowledge, skills, values ​​and qualifications necessary to be successful.

“The Gauteng Department of Education has achieved clean audit results for the second year in a row, for the 2023/2024 financial year, which is a testament to the dedication, hard work and transparency of the MEC,” Mkhwente said.

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