Transparency, automation and oversight dominate eThekwini tender debate

In an IOL eThekwini mayoral debate, candidates proposed various changes to the municipal procurement system, including scrapping tenders, increasing transparency, automation, and oversight. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi of Minority Front suggested the entire tender system be made accessible to the public and televised, with the awarding and process of tenders made public.

Thabani Nyawose of the ANC pledged to follow procurement acts to prevent corruption and improve service delivery. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, proposed scrapping the entire tender system as they believed it was crippling the economy and service delivery. She emphasized that tenders often lead to corruption, with individuals pocketing large amounts while contractors fail to deliver.

The Independent Democratic Party (IFP) candidate Selvan Govender believed that making allocations public could prevent corruption, and that following up on contractors was crucial. The DA's Alicia Kissoon called for a fully automated system to ensure transparency in the tender process. MKP of the MK Party also wanted to scrap the tender system, stating they would employ competent engineers and artisans in a decentralized system.

ActionSA's Zwakele Mncwango suggested transparency during bids, minimizing political interference, and conducting lifestyle audits on officials. Lastly, ERPM's Asad Gaffar believed the legislation was sufficient, but stressed the importance of managing tenders and ensuring everyone had access to the process.