The auditor-general's investigation into the inaugural ICT Indaba has been completed and has found no improper conduct.
The Department of Communications (DOC) hosted the event in June and, due to the alleged misappropriation of funds for the event, the AG conducted an investigation into the R10 million committed to the indaba by the department.
DOC spokesman Siya Qoza says the investigation is done and the report will be released to the public later this month but must first be taken to Parliament. It will be released along with the department's annual report.
“The report found that the minister and all the officials of the DOC followed proper processes and procedures in engaging the service provider and in executing the indaba.”
Transparent appointment
“The DOC has always believed that the processes we followed were open and transparent,” says the department.
It explains that the concept of the ICT Indaba was proposed by Carol Bouwer Designs (CBD) as early as August 2010. The department saw value in the proposal and to assist in making it a reality, R10 million was committed to secure the venue, conference speakers, audio systems and interpreters.
“The rest of the funds were expected to be raised from sponsors. To aid the securing of sponsorships, endorsement letters were also issued as is required by the industry.”
It says due process in line with procurement policies and processes as prescribed by National Treasury were followed in appointing CBD as the service provider for the ICT Indaba 2012.
Insufficient probe?
The DOC says communications minister Dina Pule believes it is important that the ICT Indaba be seen for what it was - an opportunity for SA to create a positive legacy for the continent and its people.
It adds that the event attracted R16.3 million worth of positive global publicity, and has helped position SA as being at the forefront of driving access to ICT in Africa.
“Unfortunately, some recent media reports have tended to focus on alleged wrong-doings by minister of communications, Dina Pule. When Pule assumed her duties at the end of October 2011, the ICT Indaba was already a departmental project, and in March 2012, the project assumed national importance after Cabinet approval. This meant that the minister had to make sure that the DOC delivered a quality conference of international standing.”
The Democratic Alliance previously said the AG's investigation is not sufficient as it did not cover Pule's alleged conflict of interest regarding her romantic link to a sub-contractor for the Indaba.
Disclaimer: ITWeb was one of several media partners for the event.
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