David Makhura motion of no confidence

Gauteng Premier David Makhura. Photo: Naude/African News Agency(ANA)

Gauteng PPE Scandal: Companies who scored contracts to be named

Gauteng Premier David Makhura vowed to make public a list of companies who have successfully been awarded COVID-19 related contracts.

David Makhura motion of no confidence

Gauteng Premier David Makhura. Photo: Naude/African News Agency(ANA)

Making good on his promise to provide weekly updates on the ongoing controversy surrounding the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Gauteng, Premier David Makhura has now vowed to publish the names of each company that secured COVID-19 tenders. 

Speaking during a National Command Council (NCC) briefing on Thursday 13 August, Makhura said that investigations into the alleged corruption and opportunism by the Special Investigating Unit (SCI) are making progress, and said the he would continue to facilitate transparency in his cabinet. 

Makhura to publish list of companies who scored tenders  

Makhura was insistent that he and his provincial government were committed to assisting the SCI in their endeavours to expose any and all corruption relating to the procurement of PPE, as well as other allegations of profiteering and exploitation of the pandemic. 

“In terms of the proclamation signed by the president [Cyril Ramaphosa], the scope of the investigations by the SIU includes all COVID-19 procurement,” he said. 

“This means all projects including infrastructure and food relief are being investigated,” he said.

He confirmed that in addition to his announcement on Friday 7 August that he and his fellow MECs would submit themselves to lifestyle audits to demonstrate that their private spending is in line with their state-funded incomes, he would produce a list of every company that has scored a COVID-19 related tender. 

“In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accountability, we will publish a list of companies that were appointed to provide goods and services in support of our response to our COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

Gauteng making ‘good progress’ in COVID-19 battle  

He went on to say that Gauteng’s recent COVID-19 case reports, which have been steadily decline in recent days, are reassuring but that the province cannot afford to become complacent. 

“It is not yet time for us to let our guard down given the good progress we are making. There is still a large number of people who are vulnerable to being infected,” he said, adding the certain age groupings are causing particular concern due to high rates of infection and death. 

“We are concerned about the 40-89 age group and people with comorbidities, who make up the majority of the mortality rate. Our primary focus remains saving as many lives as possible.”

“The decrease in the number of patients admitted in our hospitals is a welcome relief to our health system and an indication that our efforts to save lives are bearing positive results.”