Ladysmith: Tender corruption at municipality is exposed?

Ladysmith KZN – While Alfred Duma Local Municipality has admitted that there have been cases of tender corruption and fraud by a syndicate operating at the municipality, Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Alf Lees has questioned whether the municipal manager has taken any action yet? “It is all well and good warning people, but have they acted against their own staff yet or the people posing as their staff?” he asked.

 

 

In an official media statement, Municipal Manager Ms SS Ngiba confirmed that the syndicate claims to be employed by Alfred Duma Local Municipality and is based in the Supply Chain Management Section. According to her, the syndicate interacts with service providers and contractors / company owners, promising them tenders in return for money.

 

 

An appeal is made to all municipal business associates to be aware of this tender scam. Those involved in the procurement process and those who render services to the municipality are cautioned not to be involved in this scam. The municipality has approved policies and procedures within which it conducts its business in relation to the procurement of goods and services, and nobody is allowed to manipulate these processes for their own personal gain. These processes are there for a reason, and that is to ensure that the tender – an offer to provide a service or supply goods at a fixed price – is awarded fairly, gives all applicants an equal chance, and is not tainted by corruption.

 

She added that, “Fraudsters have no podium and platform in our municipal procurement.”

 

She also promised that an internal and external investigation is being considered at this stage, once the law enforcement agencies have concluded their preliminary investigations and findings on the matter.

 

“Nowhere does the MM admit to how much money is involved or if any municipal staff are involved or if any criminal charges have been laid against anyone,” added Alf Lees.

 

According to a municipal insider, this type of fraud or tender corruption is not new, but over the last few months, complaints from people claiming to have paid for tenders and contracts have increased. It is unlikely that those involved are actually municipal staff, hence the MM statement that tenders are not for sale!

 

The IFP have applauded the MM on her stance and that she involved outside law enforcement agencies. They will be watching the investigation into the incidents very closely.