Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has suspended its Chief Information Officer, Mthokozisi Mncwabe, in connection to irregularities in a significant technology tender. This comes just a week after ACSA had stated there were no allegations of irregularities.
Initially, ACSA announced on 3 August that there were no issues with their procurement processes during legal proceedings before the high court.
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Ernest Mulibana, an ACSA spokesperson, confirmed that this statement was based on the available information then. However, after a preliminary investigation, prima facie evidence of wrongdoing was identified concerning the biometric and digital identity technology project.
In light of these findings, Mncwabe has been placed on precautionary suspension. Mulibana noted that this suspension would facilitate further investigations, after which a public report on their findings will be provided.
The tender in question was for a project aimed at automating border controls using new biometric technology. The contract, valued at R115 million, was awarded to the French multinational technology company Idemia. Notably, the contract stipulated that at least 30% of the value should be subcontracted to a South African, black-owned enterprise.
Idemia partnered with a local company, Infoverge. However, the relationship between these partners deteriorated, necessitating ACSA’s intervention.
Despite ACSA’s efforts to mediate, an amicable resolution could not be reached between Idemia and Infoverge. As a result, Infoverge approached the High Court Gauteng Local Division to seek relief and set aside ACSA’s decision to award the tender to Idemia. In the court papers, ACSA was cited as a second respondent.
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Currently, ACSA is considering its options regarding its contract with Idemia. Future actions will depend on the outcomes of the ongoing investigations and subsequent legal proceedings.
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