BCM promises to assist Hawks in probe
Raid in connection with allegedly fraudulent food voucher tenders
BCM has played down concerns around an investigation by the Hawks following a raid on their premises last week in connection with allegedly fraudulent food voucher tenders.
As reported by the Daily Dispatch ('Hawks raid BCM offices in probe of R30m food voucher tenders', December 11), the Hawks arrived on December 10 and seized laptops, cellphones and documents relating to the investigation. However, the municipality has insisted that the tender process was not irregular and that all all necessary conditions and requirements had been satisfied.
“The purchasing of vouchers was conducted in accordance with BCMM's Supply Chain Management Policy and was subject to the regulations issued under the MFMA with regard to emergency procurement,” they said in a statement released to their Facebook page.
“We are mindful of the fact that this was an unprecedented, overwhelmingly enourmous emergency process and as such, challenges were inevitable but it must be emphasised that the overall program was a resounding success that saw Buffalo City being the first, if not only municipality in the country that supported its most vulnerable citizens, in their greatest time of need.”
The municipality said it was able to account for" every cent spent on every store" and would cooperate with the Hawks throughout the investigation.
“As a responsible government, we are cooperating with all processes that seek to ensure accountability and as such, we are assisting the Hawks to gain full access to all related documentation that will aid their investigation,” they said.
The purchasing of vouchers was conducted in accordance with BCMM's Supply Chain Management Policy
On Thursday December 10, Clarendon Primary top achievers were recognised for their achievements this year. Recipients of the prestigious Honours Awards were Ikhona Ntutu, Cara Knott, Caroline Kretzmann, Anuschka de Jager, Awonke Buwa and Emma Booyens.