Note to Editors: Please note Tim Brauteseth, MPL sound bite in English
The DA welcomes the launch of KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) new Electronic Procurement System (e-Procurement), by provincial Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, as a bold and necessary step toward restoring fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability within public procurement.
The introduction of the digital platform marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts by KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) to combat corruption, eliminate wasteful expenditure and ensure that service providers are paid timeously.
KZN’s Finance and SCOPA portfolio committees have long raised concerns around inefficiencies and vulnerabilities of the manual procurement system, which has contributed to billions of rands in irregular expenditure and unacceptable delays in supplier payments.
The e-Procurement system, to be rolled out across selected provincial government departments between January 2026 and April 2027, is designed to automate and streamline the entire supply chain process – from budget approval to supplier selection, contract management and payment authorisation. It will also prevent departments from procuring goods and services without confirmed budget allocations.
The DA commends MEC Rodgers for championing this initiative. We also note that the systems built-in safeguards will significantly reduce opportunities for manipulation and favouritism – a game changer for governance in KZN.
By removing the human element from critical decision points and introducing real-time monitoring, KZN is being built into a more ethical and capable state. The DA will ensure that SCOPA continues to provide rigorous oversight to ensure that the system is implemented effectively and that its benefits are fully realised.
The DA further emphasises the importance of ensuring accessibility for rural and township-based suppliers, as well as businesses owned by women and persons with disabilities. Inclusive access to procurement opportunities is essential for economic growth and empowerment. The system must work for everyone.
We look forward to working closely with the provincial Treasury and all stakeholders to monitor the rollout and performance of the e-Procurement system.