Payment of contractors within 30 days will be part of performance managemen-Minister Nhleko
Payment of contractors within 30-days will be part of performance management for employees of the National Department of Public Works (DPW) including its implementing agents to eradicate delayed and recurring non-payment of service providers. This assurance was given by Public Works Minister, Nkosinathi Nhleko during his Eastern Cape Provincial visit and engagement with contractors held in Mthatha on Friday afternoon.
“It cannot be optional but must be part of annual performance assessment review because it is a serious matter that is a huge pressure point to small and emerging enterprises,” highlighted Nhleko in his response to issues raised by the Eastern Cape Business Forum, Eastern Cape Contractors Association and individual contractors.
Nhleko who was accompanied by Independent Development Trust (IDT) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) representatives, Speaker of OR Tambo District Municipality, Councillor Xolile Komphela and Mayor of Gngquza Hill Local Municipality, Councillor Jongintaba Mdingi acknowledged that there is a need for procurement systems to be integrated to minimise exclusion and awarding of tenders to one and the same companies.
In response to concerns that the sector is not ready for procurement reforms that are being implemented to advance to accelerate and deepen transformation, Nhleko committed to rollout of information session by supply chain practitioners to clarify how the 30% set asides for contractors from historically marginalised contractors is being implemented.
“Regional departmental management teams must hold bi-monthly structured engagement with contractor associations and forums to address non-payment concerns as well as brief them about development programmes,” he stressed.
He said that radical economic transformation must be deliberate and driven with commitment.
“Our historic mission remains development of black people and Africans in particular. It is informed by the broader political commitment to improve the lives of our people,” Nhleko underscored.
Contractors called for user friendly tender documents and for them to be also made available in at least one of the dominant indigenous official languages used in a province and review of rates for day-to-day maintenance and emergency repairs.
Mziwebandla Vokozela expressed appreciation that his company’s Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration refund delay was resolved during the engagement.
His optimism was shared by South African Black and Technical Allied Carriers Organization (SABTACO’s Ntsindiso Nduku who applauded efforts aimed at leveling the playing fields and advancing radical economic transformation.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Kgwele
Cell: 082 803 5133
E-mail: Lesiba.Kgwele@dpw.gov.za
