OUTA applauds SIU order for company to pay back PPE money
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has applauded the decision for a company to repay the profit it made on a contract it received to provide PPE to the taxi industry during COVID-19.
Ecko Green Consulting was awarded an R8 million tender by the Department of Transport in 2020.
The Special Investigating Unit scrutinised the contract.
The unit traced a payment of R220 000 made by the company to Nkululeko Buthelezi, who, at the time, was the CEO of taxi council, SANTACO.
SIU found that Eckno Green Consulting was not in the department's supplier database, and Buthelezi submitted its name.
The SIU applied for the contract to be set aside.
The Special Tribunal has now ruled the procurement process was irregular and unlawful.
The company has been given 30 days to pay back R1.7 million.
OUTA's Rudie Heyneke says there should be further action.
"Court order to pay back money is not enough. The directives and companies who are found wanting should be listed on the National Treasury's restricted suppliers database to prevent them from doing business with the State again.
"If this is not done, the perpetrators will remain in the system and will possibly be awarded tenders in the future again. OUTA call on the prosecuting authority to charge and prosecute the individuals and companies involved to ensure accountability."
