ANC’s Parly caucus agrees Covid-19 tenders were not proper

The house wants action to be taken where needs be.

The ANC in Parliament has condemned the individuals involved in “appropriating resources” meant to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

The caucus was given a report from auditor-general Kimi Makwetu detailing how R68.9 billion of the R147.4 billion Covid-19 money was spent.

ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said Makwetu’s report reflects “substantive transgressions and flouting [of processes]” on the tenders and Caucus was “dismayed” by these findings.

She said the report “reflects substantive transgressions and flouting of financial management regulations and the abuse of funds due to pre-existing deficiencies in the supply chain processes of government which were amplified by the introduction of emergency procurement processes”.

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Majodina said the Constitution of the country prescribes that tenders be conducted in a manner that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective. 

“Clearly, this AG’s special report finds that this was disregarded especially in the procurement of PPEs,” said Majodina.

“The Caucus is dismayed by these damning findings and commends the auditor-general for exposing these malpractices,” she said 

“The report indicates that notwithstanding checks and balances, these measures were not adequate to deter wrongdoing especially in the procurement of goods and services and in its place, overpricing has taken place despite national treasury regulations,” said Majodina in a statement.

She said despite those who “acted in their own subjective interest and with no authority”, but it must be known that the Covid-9 funds helped the unemployed with a safety net as well to those who lost their jobs through the Covid-19 UIF relief scheme, food parcels “and many other interventions have also been possible through the relief”.

“Accounting officers in departments must be encouraged to halt all transactions to companies with black spots until their investigations are finalised in accordance with financial management regulations. 

“Lifestyle audits and the vigorous implementation of existing legislation which prohibits public servants from doing business with the State must bear results,” she said.

(edited by MLM)

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