Procurement Rules Breached as Airwing Tender Terminated

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BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR

Procurement Rules Breached as Airwing Tender Terminated

By KasiBCAfrica_News

KASIBCAUDIO

A written reply by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) revealed that the R197,455,554.30 helicopter tender awarded to Simunye Air Charter breached the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and the relevant national Transversal Contract. Following findings by the Auditor-General, the contract was officially terminated on January 6, 2026, and referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

Millions Disbursed Prior to Audit Red Flags

Before the contract was canceled, R156,454,504.65 of taxpayer funds had already been paid out. The expenditure occurred before formal interventions were triggered, causing significant financial exposure to the provincial treasury.

Implicated Officials Remain Active on Full Pay

According to GPL member Michael Sun, four individuals have been directly implicated, and all Gauteng officials involved in selecting the service provider are classified as persons of interest. Over six months since the findings, none of the implicated officials have been suspended or subjected to disciplinary hearings, remaining in their posts on full pay while the SIU investigation continues.

Operational Grounding Forces Reliance on Borrowed Aircraft

Originally launched on April 1, 2024, to provide aerial support for law enforcement, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing's own fleet is now completely grounded. To maintain aerial coverage, the province currently relies on 12 borrowed helicopters from external partners at undisclosed public costs.

Call for Suspensions and Cost Disclosure

In response to the findings, opposition members in the GPL are demanding the immediate suspension of implicated officials, a transparent SIU probe to recover improperly spent funds, and the full disclosure of ongoing expenses related to using borrowed helicopters.

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