Scooter scandal hits MEC
R10M TENDER: WILL APPEAR BEFORE SPECIAL TRIBUNAL AFTER SIU PROBE
Modifications show contract award does not meet department’s specific needs.
Eastern Cape health MEC Sindiswa Gomba is to appear before the Special Tribunal following allegations of financial irregularities involving her department in a controversial R10 million scooter project.
Tribunal spokesperson Selby Makgotho confirmed this yesterday.
He said Gomba, departmental superintendent-general Dr Thobile Mbengashe, chief financial officer M Daca, and Fabkomp (Pty) Ltd would appear before the tribunal today.
“It is alleged that the department purportedly expedited the contract for the procurement of 100 mobile clinic scooters from Fabkomp (Pty) Ltd in light of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which brought the application to the Special Tribunal, contends that the awarding of the R10 million contract was done in contravention of the provisions of section 217 of the constitution, [the] Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury regulations,” Makgotho said.
“Furthermore, it is alleged that the contract was marred by irregularities and irrationality and that it was awarded in unusual and unexplained haste.
“It is further contended that the department, upon hearing of the SIU investigations, resolved that the scooter be modified and continued with the tender with Fabkomp (Pty) Ltd as the service provider and that such a modification constitutes a fresh contract.
“The SIU alleges that the modifications show that the awarding of the contract was not meant to meet the specified needs of the department.”
On 12 June, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize and Gomba unveiled six scooters fitted with first aid kits and oxygen on board.
However, the scooter initiative sparked outrage across the country, sparking accusations of corruption.
Now, the tender which was awarded to a King William’s Town-based company, is under investigation.
The department earlier confirmed that the bid adjudication committee was reviewing the processes followed in the awarding of the deal.
The department also said the committee was acting due to “public discomfort” over the deal.