Forensic probe finds IDT irregularly awarded oxygen plant tender to unqualified company
Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson released the findings of the report on Tuesday.
- Independent Development Trust (IDT)
- Dean Macpherson
- Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)
FILE: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson. Picture: X/GovernmentZA
JOHANNESBURG - A forensic investigation has found the Independent Development Trust (IDT) irregularly awarded a tender worth about half a billion rand to an unqualified company.
In 2022, the IDT was appointed as an implementing agent to facilitate the purchase of oxygen plants at 60 public hospitals.
IDT awarded the tender to a company called Bulkeng at an inflated value of R428 million.
In January this year, the Department of Public Works appointed a forensic firm to probe the tender following allegations that the tender was awarded to a company that did not meet basic requirements.
READ: DPWI's Macpherson appoints PwC to probe R800m oxygen plant tender
On Tuesday, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson released the findings of the report.
Macpherson said one of the findings was that Bulkeng did not have accreditation from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority despite being awarded a tender to purchase medical equipment.
"It was determined that Bulkeng was awarded facilities with a total offer of R428,069,345,04, which exceeded their CIDB grading threshold of R200 million; the report did not identify any relationship and/ or links between the appointed contractors and IDT/ NDoH officials."