A R14 million PPE tender awarded by the Mpumalanga Department of Health has been declared unlawful and invalid.
The ruling was made by the Special Tribunal following an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The contract was awarded during the Covid-19 pandemic for the supply of items such as surgical masks and protective clothing.
The tribunal found that the tender process was irregular and did not follow proper procurement procedures. It ruled that the contracts must be set aside.
Businesswoman Katleho Mokonyane, daughter of ANC veteran Nomvula Mokonyane, and her business partner Bonelela Mgudlwa have been ordered to pay back the profits they made from the deal.
Investigations found that the contract was awarded without proper competition and that required processes, including bid committees, were not followed. The company also did not meet key requirements to supply medical equipment.
The tribunal further found that the pair acted improperly in securing the contracts and must be held personally accountable for the money.
The SIU said the ruling is part of ongoing efforts to recover funds lost through irregular Covid-19 tenders and to hold those involved accountable.
