Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has reportedly authorised a probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the awarding of a R360m tender to ANC benefactor Robert Gumede’s JSE-listed Gijima group.
According to the Sunday Independent, Zuma signed the proclamation for the SIU to investigate the contract awarded to technology group Gijima by the department of rural development and land Reform.
Billionaire Gumede is apparently a long-standing member of the ANC and has donated money to the party over many years.
This is not however the first time the company has fallen under the spotlight.
Two years ago, Gijima faced a probe by the public protector, Thuli Madonsela, over a R2.4bn Who Am I Online tender through the department of home affairs.
This tender was awarded by the department to Gijima in 2007 at a price tag of R1.9bn.
The cost of the project increased to R4.5bn before it was cancelled by former home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in 2010.
The parties settled in 2011 and the tender’s value was adjusted to R2.4bn.
Clamp down
In his State of the Nation address Zuma made his intentions about tackling tender fraud clear.
Zuma mentioned the establishment of a tender board that would adjudicate tenders in all spheres of government.
"We are changing the tender system, which has been such a big problem in our country.
"Public servants and public representatives will be prohibited from doing business with the state," said Zuma.
He said ANC members and public representatives who were found guilty would be expected to step down from their positions.
Last week Zuma signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate R756m tender which the department of communications awarded to Media Corner.
According to the Sunday Independent, Zuma signed the proclamation for the SIU to investigate the contract awarded to technology group Gijima by the department of rural development and land Reform.
Billionaire Gumede is apparently a long-standing member of the ANC and has donated money to the party over many years.
This is not however the first time the company has fallen under the spotlight.
Two years ago, Gijima faced a probe by the public protector, Thuli Madonsela, over a R2.4bn Who Am I Online tender through the department of home affairs.
This tender was awarded by the department to Gijima in 2007 at a price tag of R1.9bn.
The cost of the project increased to R4.5bn before it was cancelled by former home affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in 2010.
The parties settled in 2011 and the tender’s value was adjusted to R2.4bn.
Clamp down
In his State of the Nation address Zuma made his intentions about tackling tender fraud clear.
Zuma mentioned the establishment of a tender board that would adjudicate tenders in all spheres of government.
"We are changing the tender system, which has been such a big problem in our country.
"Public servants and public representatives will be prohibited from doing business with the state," said Zuma.
He said ANC members and public representatives who were found guilty would be expected to step down from their positions.
Last week Zuma signed a proclamation authorising the SIU to investigate R756m tender which the department of communications awarded to Media Corner.