Stay away from tenders, says Premier

Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has warned members of the executive, mayors and senior managers in the district to stay away from tender processes.

Speaking at a provincial senior management summit in Mbombela, Mabuza said the involvement of politicians and senior managers in tender processes is killing government’s efforts to sustain small businesses.

“These resources and opportunities are meant to deal with unemployment issues and empowerment of small businesses,” said Mabuza.

The Premier also warned that there would be consequences for senior managers who delay payments to services providers for longer than the 30 days after delivery of service.

The Premier added that lack of knowledge and laziness were two of the politicians’ shortcomings and that they are in leadership positions because they were voted in.

“Some political leaders are lazy to think and refuse to learn; they can only shout at their subordinates and become arrogant,” said Mabuza.

As a way forward, the Premier, mayors and heads of department signed a citizens’ charter where they committed themselves to ensure provision of service to the public according to the highest possible standards.

They also undertook to do everthing in government’s power to ensure that the public service system is responsive to the needs, expectations and aspirations of the people. They also undertook to promote and enforce good governance.