Premier ES Magashule today met with heads of department, chief financial officers and members of the bid committees to urge them to conduct the adjudication of tenders in accordance with the law.
Premier Magashule, who returned from his working visit to China on Tuesday, convened the meeting after it emerged that some officials were using the names of members of the Free State Executive Council to achieve their own ends.
Premier Magashule has directed all officials involved with procurement, without exception, to exercise their duties without fear and bias, strictly in terms of the relevant legislation and without interference of any nature whatsoever from any political office bearer, official or any other person.
"I shall not hesitate to take such steps, which may be necessary, to ensure that any person who does not comply with this directive, is swiftly brought to book," said Premier Magashule
Premier Magashule also informed officials that the Free State provincial government would soon finalise a new procurement policy in order to ensure speedy service delivery.
"We need to sharpen the procurement policy for the provincial government to ensure that we respond to the needs of our people. It cannot be business as usual. We cannot do things the old way. We have to do things differently," Premier Magashule said.
Premier Magashule also directed heads of departments and chief financial officers to ensure that service providers who provide services to government should be paid within 30 days.
"Paying within 30 days, however, does not mean that you must wait for 30 days before making payment," Premier Magashule said.
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Issued by: Office of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
13 May 2010
