Finance and Economic Opportunities
With reference to the reply to question 12 published in the Question Paper for Oral Reply dated 23 October 2020:
Whether the Provincial Treasury conducted any investigation into procurement from Masiqhame Trading 1057 by Western Cape Department of Education, why not; if so, (a) when was this investigation (or enquiry) conducted, (b) what were the terms of reference of the investigation or enquiry, (c) what was the outcome of the enquiries made to the Western Cape Education Department, (d) what is Masiqhame Trading 1057 Company Registration number, (e) when was this company registered with The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), (f) (i) when was this company registered with ARIBA and (ii) what is the core business as registered with ARIBA, (g) when was this company Registered with South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and (h) when was the Accreditation obtain to provide PPE or related services?
Whether the Provincial Treasury conducted any investigation into the procurement from Masiqhame Trading 1057 by the Western Cape Department of Education:
The Provincial Treasury conducted an assessment as part of it’s ongoing monitoring of procurement processes in the Western Cape government, noting that forensic investigative responsibility falls under the Department of the Premier.
- When was this investigation or enquiry conducted:
The assessment started at the end June 2020 and concluded on 08 July 2020 with a request submitted to the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) Accounting Officer for a further investigation into the matter from the perspective of regulatory compliance of supply chain management policies and prescripts and the applicable National Treasury Instructions issued during the Covid-19 disaster.
- What were the terms of reference of the investigation or enquiry?
The Provincial Treasury, in terms of its mandate under Section 18 of the Public Finance Management Act, has monitored procurement processes, commitments and expenditure made to Western Cape Government suppliers.
- What was the outcome of the enquiries made to the Western Cape Education Department?
WCED responded to Provincial Treasury as follows:
During 2017 WCED procured services via a competitive bidding process for the supply and delivery of cleaning, gardening and electric suppliers for all schools and offices for a period of three (3) years. This contract was awarded to Masiqhame Trading 1057 with a contract end date of 30 September 2020.
This was a contract of convenience as indicated by WCED and orders were placed as and when required. During the Covid-19 pandemic WCED utilised its current contract with Masiqhame Trading 1057 for the supply and delivery of hygiene and sanitation supplies.
WCED indicated further that in terms of National Treasury Instruction note 5 of 2020, which states that where departments already have contracts in place, it should honour those contracts.
Should further details in this regard be needed they should be sought from WCED.
- What is the company registration number of Masiqhame Trading 1057:
In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act, permission needs to be obtained from the company to make this information public.
When was this company registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC):
30 March 2007
- (i) when was this company registered with ARIBA?
22 October 2007
(ii) What is its core business as registered with ARIBA?
Supply of stationary, paper, posters;
- classroom equipment such as posters, reading material, art supplies etc;
- education books, toys and boardgames;
- toiletries and cleaning materials;
- beverages and non-perishable products;
- supply and delivery of sport equipment; and
- storage offered for educational material.
- When was this company registered with South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA);
It is not a requirement for companies to be registered with SAHPRA.
To note: SAHPRA is tasked with regulating (monitoring, evaluating, investigating, inspecting and registering) all health products. This includes clinical trials, complementary medicines, medical devices and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). Furthermore, SAHPRA has the added responsibility of overseeing radiation control in South Africa. SAHPRA’s mandate is outlined in the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act No 101 of 1965 as amended) as well as the Hazardous Substances Act (Act No 15 of 1973).
The PPE that was purchased via the Masiqhame Trading 1057 contract are not medical products and did not require SAHPRA approval.
- When was the accreditation obtained to provide PPE or related services?
No accreditation is required for the products procured. The supplier was required to meet the specification requirements of the Department of Education.
