Firms in IDT scandal resurface in R379m oxygen plant tender

Reports suggest that the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) has awarded a new R379-million tender to deliver PSA oxygen plants to hospitals nationwide to a company that was previously embroiled in the Independent Development Trust (IDT) tender scandal. 

RELATED: Forensic probe finds IDT irregularly awarded oxygen plant tender to unqualified company

Research by investigative journalist Azarrah Karrim revealed that the DBSA awarded the contract to two companies, one of which also has ties to an active contract with IDT for the same equipment.

“A company that clinched the DBSA contract, BC Gas, an official from that company attended a site briefing with the IDT, and on that site briefing register, which we have, he uses an email address of another company, OSG International.”

She suggested this could be a case of collusive tendering, where companies work together to manipulate the outcome.

Karrim added that it raises serious questions about the DBSA’s decision-making processes.

“It is a possibility of collusive tendering. We need to keep a close eye on these companies because of how they tendered in the IDT process."

To listen to Karrim in conversation with 702’s John Perlman, use the audio player below: