Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The Free State Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport has declined to confirm or deny if MEC Jabu Mbalula influenced the awarding of a R372 million road construction tender to Raubex Construction.
The allegations relate to the procurement process and also implicate Advocate Mojalefa and Evodia Malebo.
Responding to questions, the Department’s Director of Communications, Hilary Mophete, said the Department could not disclose details relating to procurement processes while internal processes were underway, despite the tender award having already been made public.
“In line with the Public Finance Management Act, 1999, and Treasury Regulations, procurement processes are confidential until finalised and awarded. The Department cannot disclose details of bidders or recommendations during an active/ongoing process.
“The role of the Executive Authority is guided by the PFMA, Provincial Treasury prescripts and delegations of authority. Matters of procurement are executed by the Accounting Officer and Supply Chain Management structures in line with policy. The Department does not discuss specifics of internal processes in the public domain.”
Asked about recommendations that were allegedly overlooked before Raubex was appointed, Mophete said:
“All procurement must comply with the PFMA, PPPFA, Treasury Regulations and the Department’s Supply Chain Management Policy. Any deviation must follow due process and be properly recorded and approved.”
The Department was also questioned about a 2024 procurement matter in which it ignored its own legal advice and appointed New Beginnings Project despite recommendations that the bidder should have been disqualified.
Mophete said legal advice forms part of the Department’s standard decision-making process where necessary.
“Where required, the Department seeks legal advice as part of standard government practice to ensure decisions are lawful and procedurally fair.”
Regarding allegations of political interference, Mophete said:
“The Department does not condone any form of undue influence in procurement processes. Any allegations of misconduct are investigated through the relevant internal and external oversight mechanisms.
“We are not in a position to confirm or deny specific allegations while processes are underway.”
Mbalula has found himself at the centre of the controversy just months after President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a proclamation reinforcing that accounting officers are responsible for procurement and financial administration within government departments.
StepUp SA News is in possession of a 35-second audio recording in which Mbalula can be heard announcing that Chief Financial Officer Malebo would replace Justice Molisana as Director. According to sources, the move was linked to the disputed R372 million tender.
Sources further allege that Mbalula’s attempt to transfer Molisana was rejected because Molisana did not consent to the transfer. Despite this, Mbalula allegedly convened a meeting to announce the proposed changes, during which the audio recording was made. WISE & SMART MAN!
This is a developing story. StepUp SA News is also pursuing information regarding two companies that allegedly lost out on the tender awarded to Raubex Construction. One is from Sasolburg and other from Kwazulu Natal.
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