Truman Prince actions prompt urgent review of Supply Chain Management
2 February 2016
Recent revelations of blatant tender irregularities and corruption in Beaufort West (at the hands of ANC Mayor, Truman Prince) once again highlighted the urgent need for a review of the Municipal Supply Chain management regulations. Tightening regulations will deter unscrupulous cadres from enriching themselves, their comrades, and the “ruling party”, particularly in the run up to the Local Government Elections (LGE) as Mr Prince attempted to do.
To this end, the DA previously called on Pravin Gordhan, in his former capacity as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to initiate a review of the Supply Chain Management regulations and processes at municipal level. Now, in his new capacity as Minister of Finance, Gordhan has both the authority and the competency to launch a review of regulations and processes and should do so swiftly. The DA therefore requests that Minister Gordhan table a programme for the review of the regulations and processes, along with his plan of action to deal with the corruption exposed at Beaufort West Local Municipality and other municipalities.
It has become clear that the ANC will go to any extent, including the robbing of state coffers for party campaigns, to hold onto power. Prince’s interference in the tender process was in contravention of both the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Code of Conduct for Municipal Councillors. This behaviour imposes a threat on local government and has led the DA to lay criminal charges against Prince and to request the Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela, to investigate the full extent of tender irregularities and corruption in order to maintain the integrity of the 2016 LGEs.
Corrupt actions and negligent management will only be deterred if wrongdoers know that their deeds will have consequences. We would therefore increase the penalties for corruption, specifically the violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the MFMA. We will furthermore enforce proper legal action against officials involved in financial misconduct. In particular, we would ensure that corrupt officials are removed from public office and not simply transferred elsewhere to repeat their offences as has been the case in the past.
The DA also supports more rigorous application of measures in the MFMA and PFMA to recover lost monies. In addition, consideration should be given to routine audits to ensure that large tenders deliver value for money. Tender fraud can also be combated by making the bid evaluation and adjudication processes open to the public, where applicable.
While the DA does not profess to be perfect, we do not hesitate to bring those responsible for misconduct to book. South Africa cannot afford to allow its public purse to be looted by the likes of Truman Prince and John Block. Out citizens deserve better. Where the DA governs, we will ensure that accountability and transparency are priorities for public representatives and officials.
Issued by Kevin Mileham, DA Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, 2 February 2016
