PP Beitbridge fence investigation scrapped

The PP received a complaint to investigate whether the Department of Public Works has failed to follow proper procurement processes when appointing the service provider for the supply, delivery, and installation of the fence at the border. 

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure allegedly paid an advance amount of R21, 8 million for the construction of the 40-kilometre borderline razor mesh fence at the Beitbridge Border post between Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

The Department allegedly used the emergency procurement processes to unlawfully appoint the two contractors to erect and repair the borderline fence at the Beitbridge Border Post. 

The total contract price amounted to R40, 4 million, of which R21, 8 million had already been paid. 

Acting Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka says her office attempted to investigate the matter with the aim of making a determination regarding whether proper procurement processes were followed, but the affected parties approached the courts to challenge the validity of the minister’s directive, which gave rise to the procurement process in the matter. 

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) also investigated the matter and took it to the Special Tribunal, resulting in a judgment, which has also been taken on appeal to the High Court by Caledon River Properties (Pty) Ltd and Profteam CC - the two companies who were the appointed service providers.  

Gcaleka says it was deemed imprudent to proceed with the investigation, taking into consideration the sub judice rule and to avoid contradicting outcomes. 

"The PPSA will however monitor the progress of the circumstances surrounding the matter, "she said. 

 Patricia de Lille, who was the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure at the time, has already acknowledged that the border fence is “not fit for purpose.”  

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