Photographer: Waldo Swiegers / Bloomberg
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers / Bloomberg
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South African authorities’ investigations into the award of dubious contracts worth $ 13.3 billion ($ 889 million) for the provision of equipment and services needed to tackle the coronavirus have found that a number of officials blatantly ignored procurement rules and procedures.
Sins of about a quarter of the contracts were completed and 38 cases were referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for criminal prosecution, while disciplinary action against 25 officials is recommended, said Andy Mothibi, head of the country’s special investigation unit. About 260 million rand in cash and assets have been identified as recoverable from suppliers, he said.
“My observation is that the blatant and willful disregard is supported by insatiable pursuit of self-enrichment,” Mothibi told reporters on Friday. “It can not go unpunished.”
The unit found that some providers were overpaid for services and paid without providing proof of delivery, while some officials allegedly gave contracts to their friends.
Read more: South Africa proves double virus contracts worth $ 292 million
South Africans have so far confirmed 1.47 million coronavirus infections, most in Africa. Between April and November, the government issued 30.7 billion rand contacts to companies to provide personal protective equipment and other equipment and services to enable them to respond to the pandemic.
The purchasing scandal is particularly embarrassing for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has promised to move on to the end that became endemic during his predecessor Jacob Zuma’s nine-year rule. Khusela Diko, spokesperson for Ramaphosa, and Bandile Masuku, head of health in the central Gauteng province, are among those who allegedly benefited from the supply contacts and all forced to vacate their posts.
Read more: South African president’s spokesperson faces disciplinary process
“It is discouraging to see civil servants in all spheres of government, called upon to serve the people of South Africa, involved in illegal and unlawful activities,” Mothibi said. “The SIU will continue to pursue all officials who resigned in connection with the investigations or in the face of disciplinary action by freezing their pensions and instituting civil proceedings to recover the money stolen from the state. gain.”