Macpherson Calls for Response from IDT Over Alleged Irregularities in Oxygen Plant Tender

The Minister further emphasized that the oversight of the IDT, a key entity in public infrastructure projects, includes ensuring compliance with all regulations and requirements, including SAHPRA accreditation when health-related projects are involved.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has called for an urgent response from the Independent Development Trust (IDT) regarding the process behind awarding a multimillion-rand oxygen plant tender to three companies, including two that reportedly lack registration from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

The investigation follows a Daily Maverick report alleging that the IDT, which is implementing the oxygen plant initiative on behalf of the Department of Health, awarded tenders to Bulkeng (Pty) Ltd and Maziya General Trading in partnership with On Site Gas Systems International, the latter of which is reportedly SAHPRA-licensed. The tender involves setting up complex pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at state hospitals nationwide.

Minister Macpherson issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations, stressing the importance of adherence to Section 217 of the Constitution, which mandates that government procurement be conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner. "These allegations are serious, as the IDT, like any state institution, must respect the constitutional imperative to ensure transparent and ethical procurement practices," Macpherson noted. He reiterated that his office would insist on full accountability and clarification of the procedures followed by Friday.

The Minister further emphasized that the oversight of the IDT, a key entity in public infrastructure projects, includes ensuring compliance with all regulations and requirements, including SAHPRA accreditation when health-related projects are involved.