R6m deal under investigation

A FORENSIC investigation into the conduct of a former West Rand municipal manager is expected to be completed before the end of this year.

An investigation was launched after questions arose about appointments made by former acting municipal manager George Seitisho at Merafong local municipality.

West Rand ’ s spokesman Chris Spies confirmed the launch of the forensic investigation, following the multi-million rand appointment of Brilliantel Telecommunications.

A draft report by national Treasury revealed the tender was not advertised.

In February last year, Brilliantel Telecommunications was appointed to upgrade Merafong ’ s IT system.

Seitisho allegedly presented a lower price to council for the appointment, whereas the approved amount was double what he presented.

Prior to their appointment, Brilliantel conducted “an intense vulnerability assessment ” on Merafong ’ s information and communications technology's infrastructure.

According to Treasury ’ s draft report, chief director of governance monitoring and compliance Solly Tshitangano in it stated that after its assessment, Brilliantel Telecommunications was appointed.

“In May 2013, Brilliantel Telecommunications submitted an assessment and proposed solution report to address the municipality ’ s ICT challenges,” read the draft report.

Almost a year later, Brilliantel was appointed. “In February 2014 Brilliantel Telecommunications was appointed to implement their ICT proposed solution,” the draft report read.

The reason for the appointment was that the municipality had, for seven years, been without an effective IT system and that their servers were down on a daily basis.

The appointment of Brilliantel Telecommunications was presented to council at a cost of R3 636 052.48.

However, the actual amount approved by Seitisho was double what was presented.

“The amount presented to council was R3 636 052.48 whereas the actual project approved by the municipal manager was R6 462 195.56,” the draft report read.

There is also no binding contract between the municipality and Brilliantel.

“The service level agreements for ... Brilliantel Telecommunications ... were not signed,” the draft report read.

Treasury recommended, among others, the municipality submit payment registers for payments made to Brilliantel Telecommunications and that service level agreements also be presented.

The municipality was given until May 27 this year to respond. Treasury did not confirm whether the municipality met the deadline.

Brilliantel chief executive Maanda Phalanndwa yesterday insisted their appointment was lawful.

“Brilliantel was appointed using section 32 of MMFA [Municipal Finance Management Act],” Phalanndwa said.

Phalanndwa said those accusing his company of corruption had to substantiate their claims.

“The amount approved by Seitisho was double what was presented