Sanral CEO Reginald Demana Rejects Claims Of Influencing Multi-Billion-Rand Tender Awards

The Chief Executive Officer of the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral), Reginald Demana, has denied allegations that he played a role in influencing the awarding of multi-billion-rand tenders, including claims relating to a contract valued at more than R9 billion.

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The allegations, which have gained attention in recent weeks, claim there were irregularities in Sanral's procurement processes and accuse Demana of having influence over the appointment of service providers.

Addressing the matter during a media briefing, Demana rejected the claims and maintained that the CEO does not have the authority to award tenders, saying those decisions are taken through the agency's governance structures.

Sanral CEO Says Tender Decisions Rest With The Board

According to Demana, all procurement decisions are made by Sanral's board in line with the organisation's established governance processes, rather than by the chief executive.

He said his role is limited to carrying out administrative functions once decisions have already been taken by the board.

“I have indicated that you won’t find a delegation that says Reginald Demana has a delegation to award or extend a contract. Yes, I sign the letters of extensions, it’s an administrative step that the board has ordered me to do in order to make sure that their decision was implemented. But the decision to award the contract gets taken somewhere else.”

Demana Responds To Allegations Linked To R9 Billion Contract

Demana's comments come after allegations circulated in the media suggesting he influenced procurement decisions, including claims connected to a contract worth more than R9 billion.

He reiterated that the authority to award or extend contracts does not rest with the office of the CEO, insisting that procurement decisions are made through the board's formal decision-making processes.