On 14 June 2011, the MEC unveiled the findings and recommendations of the report by the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) into investigation of procurement of various contracts in the department. Mr Vadi had requested the office of the Auditor-General to investigate 13 tenders awarded between 1 September and 15 December 2010.
Tabling the report at the Gauteng Legislature, the MEC announced that he has instructed the Senior Executive Management to overhaul the departmental supply chain management system, based on the constitutional principles of fairness, equity, transparency, competitiveness and cost-effectiveness. The process is currently under way under the leadership of the Chief Financial Officer.
He pointed that the Head of Department Ms Benedicta Monama has taken leave of absence and in her absence, the Office of the Premier has appointed Mr Stewart Lumka, as Acting Head of Department. Mr Lumka is the Department of Finance's Head of Department.
Mr Vadi also stated that he has secured the assistance of the State Attorney in Johannesburg to provide legal advice on the recommendations of the report relating to the tender awards and disciplinary issues. He further revealed that he has requested the State Attorney to provide legal advice on the contract signed in respect of the Driver and Learner Testing Centres.
The MEC promised the House further engagement as members of Select Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and the Portfolio Committee on Roads and Transport are also considering the report. Mr Vadi also declared that he and the Departmental Senior Executive Management are willing to engage further with Committees on details of the report when called upon.
He reiterated that his office and the department will soon initiate disciplinary proceedings against employees identified as per the recommendations of the report.
Source: Gauteng Roads and Transport
