Media Statement by Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape
Firstly, there is absolutely no truth in the suggestion that there was anything improper or unprocedural in awarding this tender.
Questions must be asked why the Sunday Times chose deliberately not to present the facts as presented to them. We will be laying a formal complaint with the Press Ombudsman.
Secondly, the article cherry picks from an assessment document compiled by the Provincial Treasury and makes no reference to the formal Treasury Circular (No. 25/2011) that states categorically:
It must be noted that the Provincial Treasury assessed the procurement process followed by the Department of the Premier and found certain discrepancies, but these are not regarded as critical.
There was absolutely no extension of mandate as alleged in the story. The journalist was told that the scope of the bid specifically included a one-off fee for the development of a brand strategy, corporate identity manual and the communications strategy for the Provincial Government as well as for the ongoing communications services for every department.
Treasury regulations permit departments to participate in a contract arranged by another department. Accordingly, and on the advice of Provincial Treasury, this was the process that was followed by all departments. This information was provided to the journalist and also ignored.
In addition, the bid process:
It is important to understand that nobody involved in either the Bid Specification or Bid Evaluation Committees were members of the Bid Adjudication Committee that made the final decision to award the contract.
I am confident that the bidding process was transparent, fair, equitable, competitive and cost effective. This notwithstanding, I have asked the Director-General to request that the Auditor-General conduct a tender process audit.
The Western Cape Government has nothing to hide and will give the Auditor-General full access to any documentation or officials required for his investigation.
Trace Venter
Spokesperson for Premier Helen Zille
Cell: 072 617 4798
E-mail: Trace.Venter@pgwc.gov.za