DURBAN - THE eThekwini Municipality is following its Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes to resolve the issue of procuring books for city libraries.
DA MPL Bradley Singh has called on Arts and Culture MEC Hlengiwe Mavimbela to explain why 96 libraries within the eThekwini Metro, with a total membership of 299 145 people, have not received a single new book since 2017.
Singh said the discovery comes amid claims by book suppliers of flawed tender processes and mismanagement of funds from as far back as 2011, when more than 100 booksellers were apparently given the boot by the municipality.
Singh said three suppliers were handed two consecutive three-year contracts. “The side-lining of so many booksellers while a select few were cherry-picked for major tenders raises very serious concerns.
“In failing to provide equal and fair opportunities to a wide variety of suppliers, the department has created an environment open for collusion while failing to support small businesses in this sector,” Singh said.
“A tender was advertised in January 2018 for library books; it was only awarded a year later. Those who applied were then given four extension letters, which eventually resulted in the tender being cancelled due to irregularities.
“Since then no new tender has been advertised.”
The department had referred all queries to the municipality.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said they were aware of delays in the procurement of library books.
He said the city was currently following its SCM processes to resolve this issue. “The delay was caused by the city having to restart the tendering process after an appeal. This lengthened the tendering process as we had to cancel and start afresh as per SCM policies and deadlines.
“We apologise to residents for the inconvenience. We are doing the best we can to ensure that residents have access to all our library services,” Mayisela said.
Former eThekwini supply chain manager Sandile Ngcobo was among those accused of being role-players in the Durban Solid Waste tender irregularities. Ngcobo and others, including former mayor Zandile Gumede, are expected to appear in the Durban High Court on June 14 for a pre-trial hearing.
Daily News