FISHY NEW COMPANY GOT GAUTENG SECURITY CONTRACTS

31 August 2015

A security company got six contracts worth R10.5 million to guard Gauteng clinics despite being formed less than two months before the tender closed.

I obtained this information in a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

Bokone Bokone Guarding (Pty) Ltd was formed on 6 February 2014, and the tender for clinic security contracts closed on 28 March 2014.

Contractors were required to meet a number of standards, including being "well-established and in operation for at least five years".

Despite not meeting this requirement, Bokone got the contracts to provide security for the following clinics:

Phedisong 1 Clinic

Phedisong 4 Clinic

Phedisong 6 Clinic

Garankuwa View Clinic

Maria Rantho Clinic

K T Motubatse Community Health Centre

Mahlangu concedes in her reply that the company did not meet the criteria for the contracts. She says there is a forensic investigation into allegations of various irregularities regarding security contracts for Gauteng hospitals and clinics that were awarded last year for a total of more than R500 million.

This investigation was appointed on 12 March 2015 and was supposed to be concluded on 24 July 2015.

In December last year Mr Abey Marokoane, Chief Director of Risk Management and Internal Control, was suspended after he was charged in court for alleged corruption in the award of security contracts to West Rand clinics.

I suspect that the fishy Bokone contracts are a small part of a very large iceberg of corruption in the security contracts.

Mahlangu should ensure that there are severe consequences for contracts obtained fraudulently, including criminal charges and recovery of money.

Corruption needs to be stamped out firmly as it takes money away from badly needed services.

Statement by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC