Actions on recommendations

The implementation of lifestyle audits for members of the National Executive is in process and is being managed by the Office of the Director-General in the Presidency.

Actions on recommendations

Recommendations that are covered under existing rules, and therefore do not require further action, include the use of implementing agents, the use of transfer payments, re-prioritisation of budgets, oversight responsibilities of officials and structures, ensuring adequate accountability, and the keeping of reliable financial records.

Actions on recommendations

The National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) will, in the course of its work to advise on strengthening the country’s anti-corruption institutional arrangements, consider the detailed recommendations of the Commission on the establishment of an ‘Anti-State Capture and Corruption Commission’ and a ‘Public Procurement Anti-Corruption Agency’. Based on the advice of the NACAC and the outcomes of the review of South Africa’s anti-corruption architecture by the Department of Justice, a comprehensive proposal on an effective and integrated anti-corruption institutional framework will be produced for public consultation, finalisation and implementation. To further strengthen the current anti-corruption capabilities, the Investigating Directorate (ID) will be established as a permanent entity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and ID investigators will be provided with the requisite criminal investigatory powers as contemplated in the Criminal Procedure Act, Act No. 51 of 1977. To address concerns with respect to the independence of the NPA, legislative amendments will be introduced to ensure greater transparency and consultation in the process for selection and appointment of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), drawing on the process adopted for the selection of the current NDPP. Work will be undertaken to clarify the Minister's 'final responsibility' over the NPA as set out in section 33 of the NPA Act and settling aspects related to the NPA’s financial and administrative independence.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to the establishment of a professional body to which all officials who work in the area of public procurement should belong.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to setting standards of transparency for inclusion in every procurement system.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to protecting Accounting Officers or Accounting Authorities from criminal or civil liability for anything done in good faith unless such person acts negligently.

Actions on recommendations

The centralisation of procurement will be pursued only where it is feasible and where the benefits are likely to outweigh the costs in terms of reduced flexibility and departmental accountability for spending, delivery and outcomes. A return to a fully centralised system is unlikely to improve the integrity and efficacy of procurement. However, it is recognised that extreme decentralisation has also made the procurement system more vulnerable. A multi-pronged approach is required, which builds the state’s capacity in transversal contracts, reduces fragmentation, consolidates legislation, ensures enhanced regulatory and oversight capacity, and enhances transparency.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to the harmonisation of the legislation applying to public procurement.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to better guidance and training of public procurement officials.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to regulations to provide clear guidance on the processes to be followed when procuring from a sole source. It should be noted that there are certain goods and services that are provided by limited suppliers due to the uniqueness of the product or service they provide. While it is necessary to tighten regulations with respect to sole providers, it is not feasible to completely do away with these types of deviations.

Actions on recommendations

Measures to prevent the cession of rights by tender contractors unless disclosed in bid documents should make provision for instances where amendments to company ownership, such as mergers and acquisitions, make the cession of rights necessary and legally permissible.

Actions on recommendations

Government is considering – through the draft Public Procurement Bill and amendments to the Public Finance Management Act – the recommendation that no service provider may be awarded a tender or may conclude any contract with a public institution unless it has produced proof of relevant qualifications, skills experience or expertise required to perform the work. It is intended that this legislation be sent to Parliament before the end of this financial year.

Actions on recommendations

Recommendations that are covered under existing rules, and therefore do not require further action, include standardised guidelines for the appointment of implementing agents.

Actions on recommendations

Recommendations that are covered under existing rules, and therefore do not require further action, include ensuring provincial treasuries have consequence management mechanisms in place for recalcitrant a head of department or chief financial officer.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to providing appropriate management, contracting, reporting and enforcement guidelines for those who implement projects on behalf of government.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to providing appropriate management, contracting, reporting and enforcement guidelines for those who implement projects on behalf of government.

Actions on recommendations

Recommendations that are covered under existing rules, and therefore do not require further action, include ensuring feasibility reports and business plans are available and approved prior to any funds being transferred to a service provider.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to providing appropriate management, contracting, reporting and enforcement guidelines for those who implement projects on behalf of government.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to ensuring compliance with transformation imperatives.

Actions on recommendations

Government is giving consideration – through the draft Public Procurement Bill and amendments to the Public Finance Management Act – to prohibiting the awarding of a tender unless the responsible official has satisfied themselves that the service provider is qualified. It is intended that this legislation be sent to Parliament before the end of this financial year.

Actions on recommendations

Recommendations that are covered under existing rules, and therefore do not require further action, include noting the recipient of the transferred funds in departments’ financial statements to enable consequence management where funds have not been used for the allocated purpose.

Actions on recommendations

This is no longer relevant given changes in the accounting rules.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to institutionalising lifestyle audits for all senior managers and officials involved in supply chain management.

Actions on recommendations

The Public Procurement Bill is expected to be finalised and submitted to Parliament by March 2023. The Bill will address the Commission’s recommendations with respect to a Code of Conduct setting out the ethical standards that apply in the procurement of goods and services for the public.