Hardware manufacturer Sahara has become the latest to criticise an Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) tender that is said to effectively exclude local manufacturers from bidding.
The IEC's decision is both illogical and irrational, says Sahara Group director Selvin Kristnen.
He says no reports of dissatisfaction with the quality of equipment were received after the 1994 and 1999 elections.
"That being the case, the IEC's argument that the electoral process needs 'reliable' computers simply doesn't stand up."
The IEC has come under attack from a number of quarters for its stance, with people arguing that it is implying that local products are not up to scratch and that the move does not promote job creation or black economic empowerment.
The IEC's chief information officer, Libisi Maphanga, denies accusations that the commission regards local products as inferior. "No, the IEC is not suggesting that, and the IEC does not exclude anybody on the basis of being South African. All we require is for the product to meet specific technical and qualitative requirements," Maphanga said this morning.
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