Pretoria – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has cleared the Department of Home Affairs of any irregularities and maladministration in the appointment of a service provider during the relocation of the department’s offices.
In 2011, the Department of Home Affairs offices relocated from Watloo in Silverton to occupy the Hallmark building in the Pretoria city centre.
The Public Protector investigated the department after a complaint was laid with her office, alleging that no proper procurement procedures were followed in the appointment of a service provider to relocate the department’s offices.
Addressing the media in Pretoria today, Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni said the department took a decision to move its offices to the city centre in line with government’s decision.
“As part of government policy to locate all government buildings in the city centre as the administration capital of the Republic and to boost confidence in the city centre, the department had decided to move its headquarters operations from Watloo to the Hallmark building in Pretoria,” Mkuseli said.
In her findings, the Public Protector found that the department used a transversal contract arranged by National Treasury and that confirmation was received from National Treasury.
The Public Protector also found that in the whole matter, there was no irregular appointment made by the department.
When investigating the matter, the Public Protector requested copies of the advertisement of the tender; proposals of all companies that tendered for the service; contract entered into by the department and the successful bidder and the relevant supply chain management policies of the department that were applied during the procurement process. – SAnews.gov.za
