Joburg DA submits request to AG to probe the city's tender procurement process
The DA believes the SIU has uncovered a significant issue that requires urgent attention from financial and auditing bodies.
The SIU raided the premises of the JB Marks Municipality in the North West on 7 November 2024 following allegations of flouting procurement processes. Picture: @RSASIU/X
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has requested the Auditor General (AG) to investigate the city's tender procurement processes, following revelations of links between city officials and service providers.
The Special Investigating (SIU) Unit recently disclosed in Parliament that there has been collusion between the metro's supply chain officials and companies awarded tenders by the city.
The DA believes the SIU has uncovered a significant issue that requires urgent attention from financial and auditing bodies.
The Municipal Finance Management Act prohibits councillors from participating in tender bidding or any activities related to the procurement of contracts.
However, SIU CEO Andy Mothiba told Parliament last week that there have been irregularities in the awarding of tenders, exacerbated by collusion between city officials and service providers.
DA regional leader Belinda Kasier-Echeozonkoku says the Auditor General must thoroughly investigate the procurement processes in the City of Johannesburg.
"We have written to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), National Treasury and the Auditor General to investigate possible violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and Municipal Systems Act for exactly these reasons."
The SIU has recommended that the City of Johannesburg tighten its supply chain management systems.