Staff reporter
Bloemfontein – Events appear to have become an avenue for government money to be spent through questionable procurement practices, with requests for quotations (RFQs) and alleged tender splitting emerging as recurring concerns.
Government procurement rules require larger purchases to go through a competitive tender process. However, transactions can allegedly be structured into smaller amounts to keep them below prescribed thresholds, avoiding a full tender process.
In an interview with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, Leonard Lekgetho, the newly appointed head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), confirmed that splitting transactions to remain below procurement thresholds is a serious red flag.
“If you look at Thembisa Hospital, it was a clear split. One transaction would be for one item just to keep under the threshold,” Lekgetho said.
He also highlighted another alleged pattern involving officials waiting until the last minute before creating an emergency situation.
“The other thing is officials waited for last minutes to create emergency,” he said.
The comments appear to support concerns previously raised by this publication about procurement practices within the Free State Department of Education, particularly around the use of RFQs for expenditure that may ordinarily require a competitive tender process.
The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) has also raised concerns about the department’s procurement and expenditure practices.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, could not confirm or deny whether an investigation into the allegations is under way.
This publication will submit questions to the SIU and provide documentation relating to alleged collusion between government departments, executive authorities and event companies.
The investigation will also examine how company names allegedly reach Supply Chain Management (SCM) officials for appointment, and whether prescribed procurement processes are being bypassed.
Of particular concern is information suggesting that as many as 97% of RFQs are allegedly decided outside normal processes, with companies supposedly not being selected through the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
The allegations raise questions about who determines which companies receive government business, how those companies are selected, and whether procurement processes are being manipulated to favour predetermined service providers.
The SIU, Free State Department of Education and other implicated parties will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Support Independent Journalism
Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.
If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.
Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703
If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731
Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.
More Stories
Lawyers continue to get biggest slice of MAP LM budget despite COGTA rebuke
R800 000 to Have a Meeting
VIDEO | PA is ‘the last hope’ for Mangaung, says campaign manager Hloni Mahapane