On 26 January, during the year’s first City of Johannesburg council meeting, an amendment to the Supply Chain Management Policy was passed, meaning that a way is being opened for a transparent tender procurement system.
“For the first time in the City’s history, members of the public will be able to attend the tender adjudication hearings – this is a victory against the culture of corruption which was allowed to fester and it is a triumph for the residents of the City,” Mayor Herman Mashaba said.
In the City’s 2015/16 Annual Report, which was also tabled in council, the Auditor-General revealed that 32 officials failed to disclose their own interests, or that of a close family member, partner or associate, in contracts, valued at around R308 million. He also found that 80 suppliers submitted false declarations of interest to the amount of R954 931 226. These matters, Mashaba said, will be investigated further and disciplinary steps taken based on the results of the investigations.
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Mashaba said that these findings highlighted the need to have an open tender process.
So what will change?
The City said, as from February, the Tender Adjudication Committee will now admit members of the public directly into their proceedings. 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.
Details about the first such sitting will be publicised on the City of Johannesburg’s notice boards and website.
“At the nucleus of this administration’s approach is the promotion of transparent, accountable and responsive governance. A change from the past. This is what the voices of this City have demanded and that is what I am committed to delivering,” Mashaba added.
He believes that local government must become orientated towards creating an environment that promotes economic growth and service delivery. It must provide opportunities and prosperity for all, he said.
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