ANC Free State Provincial Spokesperson Jabu Mbalula
In recent news, the ANC Free State Provincial Spokesperson, Jabu Mbalula, has chosen not to comment on the controversial Free State Human Settlements tender. This particular tender involves the construction of 2000 RDP houses by a single contractor.
Mbalula’s reasoning behind this decision is that he does not wish to engage in a futile back-and-forth with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), referring to it as “playing at the gallery of the EFF.”
The deadline for participation in the tender is set for Monday, 11 September, 2023.
The EFF Free State has been vocal about their concerns, insisting that the tender should be divided among emerging black contractors, rather than being awarded to a sole contractor.
In an interview with Central News, EFF Provincial Secretary Bosanku Msimanga expressed disappointment in MEC Makume’s response to their concerns, highlighting the dire issues of unemployment, poverty, and joblessness faced by the people of the Free State.
Msimanga believes that an inclusive approach to the housing project is crucial in addressing the housing crisis and expediting progress.
He called on construction companies to unite and refuse to be treated as pawns, urging them to demand a meeting with the Department and MEC to discuss and address the concerns of the local community.
“By canceling the current tender and accommodating the people of the Free State, Msimanga believes that unemployment can be effectively reduced and the local economy can flourish,” stated Msimanga.
Watch Msimanga’s Interview:
According to records from the CIDB, only five contractors in the Free State qualify for this tender, with two being purely black-owned and the other three consisting of partnerships between black-owned companies and white entrepreneurs.
MEC Makume defended the current tender, stating that it specifically aims to address the issue of incomplete houses. Thus, it is crucial to find a contractor with sufficient financial resources to ensure successful completion. Makume also explained that executive authorities, including himself, are unable to participate in tender processes according to the PPPFMA act.
“However, it is important to understand that executive authorities primarily handle policies and budget injunctions. In fact, I made a budget injunction in April to prioritize the completion of unfinished houses. These houses were left unfinished, mainly by some of the emerging businesses,” explained Makume.
Watch MEC Makume’s Interview:
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