PUBLIC PROTECTOR'S INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATIONS OF TENDER IMPROPRIETIES BY THE LIMPOPO ROADS & TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT

The Public Protector, Adv Thuli Madonsela had a constructive meeting with the MEC Pinky Kekana, HOD Mr Ntau Letebele and Mr Meshack Thipe (Senior Manager: Labour Relations and Legal Services) of the Limpopo Roads and Transport Department (LRTD) in Pretoria today.

The purpose of the meeting was to brief LRTD about the investigation and to discuss Public Protector's request to suspend aspects of the Project Management Service tender that was awarded to On Point Engineering LTD (Pty).

The Public Protector confirms that LRTD has fully cooperated with the investigation and the Public Protector also appreciates legitimate concerns of the LRTD regarding possible unintended consequences of suspending the contract, which has already been running for two years.

Both parties agreed to suspend one aspect of the contract, that is, the participation of On Point in the Bid Evaluation Committee until the investigation is concluded.

The meeting also touched on the investigation relating to allegations of unlawful arrest and detention of Ms Thandi Moraka by an off-duty police officer. The Public Protector decided not to proceed with a subpoena after the MEC and HOD undertook to arrange a requisite meeting within a week and ensure that Mr Matsila attends to help finalise the investigation expeditiously. The other condition was that Mr Matsila apologises to the Public Protector South Africa. On her part, the MEC apologized for her department's delay in availing the competent person (Matsila) for the interview.

Statement issued by Kgalalelo Masibi, Spokesperson for the Public Protector, November 16 2011

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