Scooter Project backfires, Eastern Cape tender process raises red flags

The Eastern Cape’s controversial ‘Scooter Project’ — which, during its launch, was hailed by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize as an innovative medical model — has fuelled allegations of tender corruption and emboldened calls for the provincial health department to be placed under administration.

Amid the rising tide of coronavirus infections, provincial powers have been urged to bolster healthcare systems in preparation for the inevitable peak. The Eastern Cape, which has a dire history of under-resourced and ineffective medical infrastructure, has been highlighted as an area of serious concern by both Minister Mkhize and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On 12 June, as part of a provincial oversight inspection, Mkhize was welcomed in East London. Flanked by Eastern Cape Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba, Mkhize attended the launch of the province’s Scooter Project; even finding time for a joyride in one of the sidecars. Addressing the media on the procurement and function of the 100 off-road motorcycle units, Mkhize said:

“We want to congratulate the MEC for the initiative we believe that this is a pioneering effort that should be adopted in other parts of the country…The scooters make it easier to save time and energy as we move from one area to the other. It can be converted into an ambulance…and in addition it can also be used as a mobile clinic.”

Mkhize and Gomba noted that the Scooter Project was aimed at ferrying patients from far-flung rural communities to better-equipped healthcare facilities near major cities.  

Scooter Project: R10 million ‘glorified wheelbarrows’

Mkhize’s comments on the project — and the convoluted procurement process, which siphoned R10 million from the Eastern Cape’s already-meagre health budget — have come back to haunt government. Responding to a parliamentary question on Thursday 9 July, Mkhize admitted that the vehicles were not suitable for the transportation of patients.

A tough line of questioning issued by the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Shadow Minister of Health, Siviwe Gwarube, forced Mkhize to reveal further concerns related to the failed Scooter Project; primarily, that the National Department of Health was not consulted prior to the procurement of the vehicles.

Mkhize sought to clarify that the vehicles would be used exclusively as mobile clinics — tasked with delivering medication and healthcare services — and not as rural ambulances.

In conversation with 702 Radio, Brian Harmse, the Director of Fabkomp, which was awarded the tender by the Eastern Cape health department, claimed that the company had been caught up in a political battle between the DA and Gomba. Harmse added that the Fabkomp was not contracted to supply vehicles which had the capacity to carry patients. Furthermore, Harmse revealed complications in the procurement process, noting:

“This tender for the Eastern Cape was for clinics — but not ambulances — and, by the way, we don’t have the order number yet, I haven’t supplied a single unit yet and I haven’t been paid.”

Eastern Cape tender process under scrutiny

The confusion surround government’s doubletalk and the unclear justification for the millions of Rands spent on the Scooter Project have, however, forced the Bid Adjudication Committee in the Eastern Cape to launch an investigation into the tender process.

Siyanda Manana, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape health department, confirmed that an investigation was launched following the fierce public outcry. Manana added that the thorough inquiry would withstand any legal challenges and vindicate the procurement process.

Gwarube has argued that the controversy surrounding the Scooter Project was the last straw in a long line of departmental failures which should force the Eastern Cape health department to be placed under national administration. Gwarube coincide with Gomba’s recent revelations that the department was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy at a time when hospitals and clinics were being overwhelmed by a surge in coronavirus infections. Gwarube said:

“The call for the Eastern Cape department of health to be placed under administration in accordance with section 100 of the Constitution has become urgent. If Minister Mkhize does not act to operationally manage the province, there will be avoidable loss of lives.”

At the time of publication, the Eastern Cape had recorded 44 432 COVID-19 cases with 610 deaths; the second-highest provincial mortality rate on record.