DELAYS during appeals against tender awards will soon be eliminated in municipalities across Zululand with the launch of the new municipal Bid Appeals Tribunal for KZN.
This was announced at the provincial Treasury’s launch of the initiative, the first of its kind in the country, to combat fraud and corruption and to ensure that appeals against tender awards are resolved speedily and in a cost-effective manner.
The launch in Durban was attended by KZN Finance Department head Simiso Magagula, senior Treasury management and 40 members making up the tribunals in all 11 KZN districts.
‘Of particular concern is the fact that municipalities do not comply with legislation regulating the handling of tender disputes and objections. The Treasury has a constitutional obligation to provide administrative support and assistance to municipalities,’ Magagula said.
KZN Finance MEC Ina Cronjé said the municipal Bid Tribunals are now a fact, not just an idea.
‘In appointing members of the tribunals, we went through proper processes of advertising and finally appointing people with the necessary legal expertise to carry out this task,’ Cronje said.
‘The real procurement is through supply chain management. If you do not adhere to the rules of supply chain, then you are in trouble.
Justice
‘These tribunals are here to ensure that justice is done. These are measures to make it easy for the aggrieved people who would otherwise could find it difficult to appeal through the courts.
‘The appeal process is easy, quick and free for everyone and allows the public to question processes. But if someone is still aggrieved even after their matter has been dealt with by the tribunals, then they have a right to approach the courts,’ she added.
By performing an oversight role, the tribunals will assist the process of good decision making at municipal level with regard to procurement related matters.
‘The tribunals are now operational and hearings are currently taking place at different districts in the province.
‘The appeal structures are introduced to promote constitutional principles of fairness and transparency,’ Cronjé emphasised.
The public and service providers can direct their appeals or objections to municipal managers of relevant municipalities and to provincial Treasury’s Supply Chain Unit, 145 Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, for the attention of Philile Memela. Alternatively one can phone 033 8974357, fax 033 8974335 or email philile.memela@kzntreasury.gov.za.
