President Cyril Ramaphosa made a decision to launch a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) into corruption under former President Jacob Zuma administration. This is after the African National Congress’ decision to procure fire engines known as the red fleet from Fire Raiders (PTY) Ltd. valued at R86, 4 million.
President Ramaphosa says he hopes that the investigation will not amount to another empty gesture like a Commission of Enquiry or talk shop. He added that it should rather achieve justice.
“People of South Africa deserve to see justice served and those who are responsible for corruption must be held accountable. City of Johannesburg will study the terms of reference of the investigation with great interest. War against corruption is won by deeds and its success is measured by number of people behind bars. Since coming in the office, the City has opened over 4000 cases with a total of more than R24 billion in corruption under investigation”, said Ramaphosa.
The president’s announcement is at odds with the manner in which the investigations have been ignored.
However, City of Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba, says he hopes that the President will be seized with this matter for the benefit of the residents. Mashaba added that he is pleased to inform residents that multi-party government has taken the appropriate action within its power.
“In 2015 the contract furnished the City with a performance guarantee of R16 million and it was demonstrated to have sufficient cash flow to enable delivery. A purchased other of R19 million was also issued in favour of contract for delivery of first set of fire engines to the City”.
“In November 2017, the City cancelled this contract after discovering that the tender was awarded on the basis of forged Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) documents. The contractor failed to provide the performance guarantee and to deliver two new fire engines as per contract”, said Mashaba.
After termination of the contract the City began a new process for acquisition of fire engines that will ensure provision of quality emergency services to residents.
