A new open tender system for the City of Joburg will stop fraud and corruption associated with the secret awarding of tenders, mayor Herman Mashabasaid on Friday.
“For decades, decisions regarding the tender procurement process have been shrouded in secrecy, benefiting the elite of the previous administrations and their cronies at the expense of service delivery and the residents of this city,” said Mashaba.
A council meeting on Thursday passed the amendment of the city’s supply chain management policy, opening the way for a public tender procurement system.
A tender adjudication committee would, from February, allow the public directly into its proceedings, said Mashaba.
“These proceedings are a crucial stage at which a tender is assessed and adjudicated on its merits and awarded to the applicant best suited for the job. The first such sitting will be publicised on the City of Johannesburg’s notice boards and website. I encourage the public to become active participants in the good governance practices now embraced by the city.”
Meanwhile, the city’s annual report showed Auditor General’s findings of maladministration for the 2015/16 period.
The report found that 32 officials from the previous African National Congress (ANC) administration failed to disclose own interests or that of close family members, or associates.
The officials benefited from city contracts worth millions of rands. Furthermore, the report found that 80 suppliers were found to have submitted false declaration of interests.
“These matters will be investigated further and disciplinary steps taken. This highlights the necessity of an open, transparent and fair tender process,” Mashaba said.
