Application process for Nancefield Primary School project rectified

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03-10-2024
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Soweto Urban
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According to EPASCO secretary general Golden Miles Bhudu, authorized individuals around the SMME profile submission box have comprised the process, sparking concern among stakeholders.

A recent incident at Nancefield Primary School in Eldorado Park has highlighted the importance of community oversight in ensuring fair and transparent processes.

The Eldorado Park Steering Committee (EPASCO) witnessed a significant challenge that posed a great potential to compromise the application process for local SMMEs’ participation in the project to complete the construction of the school.

According to EPASCO secretary general Golden Miles Bhudu, authorized individuals around the SMME profile submission box have comprised the process, sparking concern among stakeholders.

Eldorado Park Steering Committee secretary general and acting spokesperson Golden Miles Bhudu during the SMC Construction and SMMEs data capturing and briefing meeting at Don Matoman Hall.

“Three unknown ladies were present near the box, claiming to be part of a committee. No oversight committee was selected, including councillors,” said Bhudu.

Bhudu noted action that was taken by Ward 18 Clr Juwairiya Kaldine, who addressed the issue with the site manager and community liaison officer.

In a statement issued by EPASCO on September 30, Bhudu expressed that the committee was satisfied with the action taken by the main contractor to rectify the tempering and compromise of SMME profile box by unauthorized individuals.

He emphasized that unauthorized individuals’ behaviour is not only immoral but also undermines the good intentions of law-abiding citizens and communities.

Since the implementation of BEE-BBBEE, these communities have been eagerly awaiting positive change, but instead, greed and self-entitlement have prevailed, eroding essential values such as loyalty, transparency, fairness, openness, just, respect for the laws of the country, consistency and service excellence.

The way forward

“The swift and legitimate action taken by SMC Construction’s revamping project manager, Letlhogonolo Motlgampe, is highly commendable. This decisive move by the main contractor’s representative marks a significant step towards restoring integrity in the construction industry,” he continued.

“It sends a strong message that unethical practices, such as self-enrichment and exploitation, will no longer be tolerated among constructors, subcontractors, councillors, and community structures.”

Bhudu emphasized that this bold action promises to revitalise the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability, ushering in a new era of excellence in construction management.

He said the main contractor agreed to revisit the SMME’S application process, which will start on October 2 to 3.

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and community oversight in ensuring fair and transparent processes.

Resolution summary:

• Reposting SMME applications.

• Eligibility is limited to previously registered SMMEs.

• Submissions reopened from October 2 to 3.

• The selection process is to begin on October 4.

• Site manager verification and resubmission of previous documents.

Without providing a detailed response, the community liaison officer Chelsey Diamond confirmed that there was a misunderstanding. However, the matter was resolved.

Kaldine was not available to comment at the time Soweto Urban went to print.