EDITOR – The DA in eThekwini will be writing to the Auditor General to bring to his attention the continued flouting of Supply Chain Management (SCM) procedures, notwithstanding his findings and recommendations to the contrary in his previous report in eThekwini. This is after a table report was presented for the condonation of the expenditure to the Finance and Procurement Committee last week, reflecting R212 million in irregular expenditure due to negligence of some city officials. The report reflects the non-compliance with Supply Chain Management Policy.
A total of 46 awards were given to members who had conflict of interest and were directors or had family members in the service of the state.
Other contraventions included the extension of a contract after the expiry date, improper use of emergencies, no valid tax clearance certificate and some officials did not obtain the required 3 quotations before awarding contracts.
It is unfortunate that such contraventions are still taking place as we were given the assurance after the release of the Manase report that stringent measures have been put in place and such would not happen again. We have yet to see the effect of these measures.
The DA has therefore called for the report to be brought back to the finance committee for review. We demand a thorough update from all the relevant departments who have contravened the SCM. The report should also show the progress on the disciplinary action taken against officials who have shown negligence.
We are also of the view that there is an urgent need for a review of the Municipal Supply Chain management regulations. We would ensure that corrupt officials are removed from public office and not simply transferred elsewhere to repeat their offences as has been the case in the past.
Sharon Hoosen
DA Chief Whip eThekwini Municipality
