The Minister of Public Works is taking a firm stance regarding a recent tender award scandal involving the fitting of oxygen plants at state hospitals. In a letter to the Chairperson of the Independent Development Trust (IDT), Dean Macpherson has requested a detailed report by the end of Friday on how three companies gained a lucrative multi-million-rand contract, particularly since two of them lack registration from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
The investigation comes in response to allegations report revealing that Bulkeng (Pty) Ltd and Maziya General Trading won tenders alongside On Site Gas Systems International, which is properly licensed. The IDT is the implementing agent for the oxygen plant project, critical for enhancing healthcare services in public hospitals.
Minister Macpherson expressed his deep concern over the allegations, emphasizing the need for all state entities to uphold the constitutional standards of fairness, transparency, and accountability in procurement processes. “Section 217 mandates that all state contracts must be handled in a manner that is equitable and cost-effective,” he noted.
His commitment to ensuring integrity within the IDT shines through, as he vows to rigorously oversee the investigation into the tender process, aiming to safeguard public trust and uphold the standards expected from government institutions.
