The Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a warning to “all prospective and existing suppliers of fraudsters, who use the authentic names of the staff members from the departmental Supply Chain Management Unit and other units, promising bidders tenders or contracts in exchange of money”.
In a statement, the department said it would like to distance itself from this illegal practice and views this in a serious negative light not only to defraud service providers, but also to compromise the entire bidding process and tarnish the image of the institution.
“We appeal to the members of the public to immediately come forward and report this fraud dually to the department and SAPS as this has a criminal element. The department does not exchange tenders or contracts for money,” said the Head of Department, Thandolwethu Manda.
“The public is urged to report to the department’s Enterprise Risk Management Unit 040 602 4171 or 072 980 4799.
“To validate the authenticity of any tender or communication thereof the public must liaise with the Head of Supply Chain Management, Mzuxolile Hlazo at 071 687 3429/040 602 4669. Alternatively, use the National Anti-Corruption hotline 0800 701 701.The department is also available on WhatsApp on the following numbers 060 983 6982,060 983 7030,060 983 6994.
“The department intends to report this matter to the Provincial Treasury, approach the Special Investigative Unit and the Public Protector for more assistance.”