In its 58th meeting report to the National Assembly, the committee questioned why the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force was usurping the powers of the Ministry of Health and Wellness by engaging in COVID-19 procurement when the responsibility falls within the portfolio of the ministry.
The report indicates that during the PAC meeting, the Dithapelo Keorapetse-chaired committee sought clarification from the ministry’s accounting officer, permanent secretary Grace Muzila on why direct appointment is the preferred method for COVID-19 procurement. “In her response, the accounting officer stated that the Task Force was mainly engaged in the procuring quarantine facilities and assisting the Ministry of Health and Wellness due to the heavy workload brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the report in part. She further stated that direct procurement was adopted because COVID-19 was treated as an emergency adding that procurement was mainly from companies that have been traditionally used by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. However, the committee stated that it was not convinced by her response, alluding to the fact that there has been reports of new companies being awarded COVID-19 contracts.
