A R552 million tender awarded to rehabilitate a 10-kilometer stretch of road in Empangeni, northern KwaZulu-Natal, has sparked concerns within the provincial Department of Transport, headed by MEC Siboniso Duma. The tender, granted to Pietermaritzburg-based company KaMawewe Development Consultants in November last year, has drawn scrutiny over its hefty price tag and the transparency of the procurement process.
A whistleblower within the department has raised red flags, stating that “a lot does not add up” regarding the costs involved. The whistleblower alleged that the department failed to thoroughly assess the financial implications before awarding the contract to KaMawewe.
The tender, outlined in a letter of acceptance signed by acting director for supply chain management Mrs. P. Mshengu, involves rehabilitating a portion of the P230 road between Thornhill Estates and eMpangeni. The letter states, “We have pleasure in accepting your tender for the execution of the above contract… The tender price for the project is R552,183,023.26 including VAT.”
The project aims to rehabilitate approximately 10 kilometers of the P230 road, widening it to 10 meters. This will include two 3.5-meter lanes, two 1.5-meter surfaced shoulders, and the construction of 1-meter-wide gravel shoulders on both sides. Additionally, the project involves replacing one culvert at a water crossing.
Despite the detailed scope of work, questions remain about the justification for the R552 million cost. Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed that the tender document specified the tasks to be undertaken but did not provide a clear breakdown of how the figure was calculated.
KaMawewe Development Consultants has remained silent on the matter, failing to respond to inquiries about how the tender price was determined. This lack of transparency has fueled suspicions of possible irregularities in the awarding of the contract.
The controversy has cast a shadow over the procurement process, with critics calling for greater accountability and oversight in how public funds are allocated. As the Department of Transport faces mounting pressure to explain the tender’s costs, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about governance and transparency in South Africa’s public sector.
For now, the R552 million tender remains under scrutiny, with stakeholders demanding answers to ensure that taxpayer money is spent responsibly and effectively.
