Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has written to government entity Independent Development Trust (IDT) chairperson advocate Kwazi Mshengu requesting a comprehensive report by the end of day on Friday, November 1, explaining how three companies were awarded a multimillion-rand oxygen plant tender despite two of them lacking South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration.
Macpherson’s letter follows a report by news outlet Daily Maverick on Monday, October 28, which revealed that companies Bulkeng and Maziya General Trading, in partnership with On Site Gas Systems International (which does hold a SAHPRA licence) were awarded tenders by the IDT to install complex technical pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at State hospitals across the country.
The IDT is the implementing agent for the oxygen plant roll-out on behalf of the Department of Health.
"As the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, I take these allegations very seriously, as the IDT, like any State institution, must adhere to the Constitutional imperative outlined in Section 217. Section 217 stipulates that when any organ of state contracts for goods or services, it must do so in a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective," Macpherson said in the letter.
He said the article published by Daily Maverick raised significant concerns about the process followed in the appointment of Bulkeng, Maziya General Trading and On Site Gas Systems International by the IDT.
“As the Minister responsible for the oversight of the IDT, I must ensure that there is transparency and accountability,” Macpherson said.
Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter
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