Democracy growing in starts and fits
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
African countries , an overwhelming majority had opted for one-party democracy.
The new African independent states believed they had always practiced democracy without parties. The kgotla/nkundla system practised widely by Africans was democratic since decisions were adopted after matters were thoroughly canvassed and discussed by the men who claimed to represent their womenfolk, who were per custom bracketed with the children.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...