SCA rules WC security tender appeal as moot

AN appeal application by the Western Cape Provincial Government relating to security services to various sites in the province has been dismissed by the Supreme Court of Appeal as the matter to be ruled on was moot.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

The application, deemed dead in the water, was due to the previous tender having reached its lifespan at the time the matter was heard by the SCA; a new tender process is already under way for security services at various sites.

The new tender bidding process is expected to be concluded by June 2025.

The matter came after the provincial Health Department (DoH) challenged the interdict applications by private security companies that were aggrieved at not being selected for the renewal of tenders at 258 hospitals.

SCA judge Yvonne Mbatha said that the previous agreement already provided a structure for the provincial legislature's cooperation across various sectors or departments but is no longer in effect.

Mbatha said the issue of mootness loomed at an early stage as the contract period of the previous agreement, had concluded on June 30, 2023.