ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an end to the outsourcing of “simple and straightforward” government functions, saying this practice has created a breeding ground for corruption. Ramaphosa said outsourcing opens the door to tender manipulation, bribery, inflated prices, and the use of front companies that benefit politically connected individuals while robbing ordinary South Africans of quality services.
Ramaphosa’s comments come at a time when the public has grown increasingly frustrated with the state of government tenders, especially after years of scandals involving PPE contracts, municipal infrastructure projects, and digital system upgrades that cost millions but often fail to work. He argued that tasks that the state can do internally should no longer be handed over to private companies at inflated prices.
However, many South Africans doubt whether anything will change. The ANC has made similar promises before, but implementation has always been the biggest challenge. Critics say the party talks tough about cleaning up corruption but fails to act when the time comes to confront those who benefit from the very system they condemn.
This is not the first time ANC leaders have spoken about ending or reducing the tender system. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi previously said that the province wanted to remove the tender system in certain areas so that jobs can be created directly for young people. Lesufi argued that the provincial government should be the one hiring people to perform basic services like cleaning, maintenance, and security, instead of giving those contracts to private companies that often exploit workers and inflate prices.
But even in Gauteng, progress has been slow. While Lesufi introduced programmes like the crime prevention wardens and the eKasi cleaning brigades, critics argue that the tender system remains deeply entrenched. Some opposition parties have also accused the ANC of using new programmes as a way to create patronage networks instead of truly fixing procurement.
Governance experts say ending outsourcing will not be possible unless the state rebuilds its own capacity. Over the years, government departments have lost skilled workers, engineers, IT specialists, and technical staff. Without rebuilding these teams, the state will continue relying on private companies because it does not have enough internal expertise to deliver services effectively.
Public frustration continues to grow as the country watches promises pile up without visible change. While Ramaphosa’s message sounds strong, many believe it will remain another speech unless the ANC is willing to take bold steps — including confronting corruption within its own ranks and strengthening state institutions.