IDT officials implicated in alleged tender fraud

A FORENSIC investigation into the R836 million Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant project tender has exposed widespread procurement irregularities, fraud, and governance failures within the Independent Development Trust (IDT).

- RAPULA MOATSHE

The project aimed to install oxygen plants at 60 state hospitals nationwide.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson yesterday released the findings and recommended disciplinary action against IDT chief executive officer Tebogo Malaka, general manager for supply chain management Dr Molebedi Sisi, and other officials.

He has also taken steps to implement consequence management, including referring the matter to the Hawks and meeting with the newly appointed IDT board.

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to building a capable and ethical state, directing the department to implement all report recommendations to restore the IDT as a trusted partner in social infrastructure delivery.

The investigation by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed that several companies, including Bulkeng (Pty) Ltd, were awarded contracts without valid South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) licences.