AWARDING OF TENDERS

Sir, 

I read an article that was in page three of your Tuesday publication regarding an events company that is suing government for breach of contract. 

If I understood the story correctly, some of these contracts that were given to the company were initially orally concluded and some written.

So my question is, does our government not have supply chain procedure regulations and a Public Finance Management Act, which stipulates the procedure on procuring service providers for services or products, which would also guide on the amount of service or product required falling under the open tender process? 

Preferential

In my opinion, this article has shown us, the public, that some service providers seem to be given preferential treatment when doing business with government, while other companies are not given an opportunity to compete for the business to supply government. 

Also, who checks that the prices that are charged by the companies are more or less the amount that should be charged and that the mark up is not exorbitant? 

We are watching and hearing of corruption in South Africa, with the procurement of goods, and some of their suppliers are charging as high as 800 per cent on products as well as procurement procedures and regulations being flouted. 

When reading the story it made me realise that something is not right here, as upon looking at the amounts involved and the events organised, they do not add up. 

Understand

But then again I am just a member of the public who is not in the know of such things, therefore, I really do not understand.

I think government must ensure that all the services and products it requires must be conducted in a fair, transparent and accountable manner in order to give all companies a fair chance to bid for the services or products. 

Confused member of the public

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: