KZN MEC for Finance, Ina Cronje officially launch a ground-breaking initiative, the Municipal Bid Appeals Tribunal (MBAT) on Thursday, 10 April, which is aimed at promoting principles of fairness and transparency and ensure appeals against bid awards are resolved speedily and in a cost-effective manner to warrant effective service delivery.
“We are very proud of this project, which has been a long process to introduce,” she said at the launch at Suncoast Casino.
“The majority of municipalities have been adopting these policies.”
Many municipalities in KZN have experienced challenges in complying with the Municipal Finance Management Act, especially in relation to supply management. This challenge has featured prominently and regularly in the Auditor General’s reports on the audit findings for municipalities.
“This MBAT initiative, which is unique to the province, will perform an independent oversight function and assist the process of good decision-making at the municipal level with regard to procurement-related matters,” said Cronje.
The tribunals, one in each district, are free to the public. It is an avenue for the public and service providers to question the awarding of tenders and contracts.
“This is a very useful mechanism. It saves the public from having to go to court, and is a swift and free process,” said Cronje.
Contractors can appeal up to 14 days after the tender or contract has been awarded.
Contact the KZN Provincial Treasury on 033-897-4357 or visit its premises at 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg.
