EXCO APPROVES INVESTIGATION REPORTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
The Executive Council (EXCO) of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government convened on Monday to discuss among others, the outcome of two investigation reports. This as the 7th administration firms up its commitment to the principles of good governance and ethical state.
The Premier, Mr. Mandla Ndlovu told EXCO members that the provincial government is committed to improve good governance as a cornerstone of public trust. He says building of a capable, ethical and developmental state, as one of the apex priorities of the 7th administration, is a focal point of the Provincial Government.
1. REPORT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED AGAINST DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ON PROCUREMENT OF 22 LAPTOPS AND 1 PRINTER
Recently, Mr Ndlovu instituted an investigation into the procurement of 22 laptops and a printer in the Department of Education. The investigation sought to gather facts and evidence to determine compliance of the process to applicable legislation.
The report was tabled to EXCO with the following findings, namely:
- That the procurement process of the laptops and a printer, was flawed in that it did not comply with Section 217 of the Constitution.
- That the supplier did not comply with the terms of the purchase order and delivered laptops with a lesser quality than what was approved and paid for.
- That the departmental officials irregularly specified the brand they required instead of the functionality, resulting in only specific suppliers responding.
- That the departmental officials irregularly invited bids from a particular brand of suppliers and within the locality of Mbombela, than to expand the scope to all suppliers of all brands provincially, as per the requirement.
That the department accepted delivery of the laptops not in accordance with specification.
EXCO noted misrepresentation of facts by officials of the department as well as the supplier, which include among others, that the amount paid, was for the correct laptops, when in fact it was for inferior laptops. EXCO approved the report, with recommendations to be implemented. These include the following, but not limited to:
- Immediately recover from the Service Provider any financial loss incurred by the Department
- Commence with the process of blacklisting the service provider on the National/Provincial Treasury Register for Tender Defaulters, as well as reporting same to SITA.
- Institute disciplinary action against all implicated officials, including the HOD, in line with applicable prescripts.
- Conduct lifestyle reviews on all officials of the department implicated in the report.
2. REPORT OF THE SIU CONDUCTED ON COVID-19 PROCUREMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND RECREATION
EXCO expressed commitment to implement the recommendations of an investigation report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.
The investigation was based on a Presidential proclamation which gave the SIU the powers to conduct it. It sought to ascertain whether the procurement process of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) complied with applicable legislation during COVID-19. The scope of the investigation included, amongst others, the fumigation of various libraries, and the quantity of delivered scanners and masks.
The investigation concluded, amongst others, that the fumigated areas of the square meters in the libraries were quoted on a bigger size than their actual small size. The report further concluded that the orders for the payment of the PPEs were split, and this constituted a violation of Supply Chain and Management practices and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
EXCO approved the report and expressed commitment to implement the recommendations, which includes instituting disciplinary action against all implicated officials and the Head of Department.
A progress report for the implementation of the recommendations, will be provided to the SIU within 90 days.
3. APPOINTMENT
The Nkomazi Special Zone (SEZ) received a major boost when EXCO approved the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The SEZ is a designated area that receive preferential treatment and other support measures to encourage investment and economic activity. Once completed the Nkomazi SEZ will play a vital role to revitalize the economic opportunities of rural areas in the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
EXCO approved the appointment of Dr Nontobeko Mahlalela as CEO. She is credited as an expert in local economic development and widely experienced in local government. Mahlalela is currently the Municipal Manager of Ehlanzeni District Municipality.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Spokesperson - Provincial Government)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774