Question NW3027 to the Minister of Transport

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08 November 2018 - NW3027

Profile picture: De Freitas, Mr MS

De Freitas, Mr MS to ask the Minister of Transport

(1) With regard to the repatriation of the remains of South Africans killed in the collapse of the church in Lagos, Nigeria, run by Pastor T B Joshua, in September 2014, (a) which company was awarded the tender in this regard, (b) what were the objectives and targets of the tender, (c) what was the value of the tender, (d) who awarded the tender, (e) what process was followed in the procurement of services and (f) what were the outcomes of the tender; (2) has he found that there were any irregularities with regard to the tender process and/or outcomes of the tender; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

(1)(a) Imvubu Aviation Services Pty (Ltd)

(b) The initial specifications by the Department of Transport (DOT) was for two Antonov 124 cargo planes and one passenger aircraft plane. However, only one Antonov 124 was commissioned and paid. The Antonov’s were identified to transport mortuary trucks, other light support vehicles, equipment including tents, luggage etc. and 10xPAX to Lagos, and to additionally to this original cargo, include the remains identified for repatriation on the return to South Africa.

The passenger aircraft was identified to transport a maximum of 100 passengers.

(c) The total amount paid was R16 448 200.00 for one Antonov 124 cargo plane

(d) Mr Mawethu Vilana, acting Director-General, Department of Transport, in his capacity as Accounting Officer approved the award.

(e) Approval to deviate from inviting tenders was granted by the Accounting Officer in terms of Section 16A6.4 of the Treasury Regulations.

Following an Inter-Ministerial Committee and a Health Cluster Technical Team meeting, specifications were drafted as determined by the SA Military Health Services (SAMHS) and the Department of Health (SG/D MH OPS/R/311/2/15 dated 2 October 2014).

Numerous aviation service providers were approached and six quotations for each of the initial requirements were received (2 x Antonov and 1 x Passenger Aircraft). Three companies were disqualified due to non-tax compliance, incorrect specifications etc.

The qualifying bids were:

a) 2 x Antonov 124

Service Provider

BEE Score

Cost per Item

Total Cost

Rank

HCR Ilanga Aviation Solutions

8

1 755 600 USD

(R 19 438 900)

3 511 200 USD

(R 38 877 800)

3

SRS Aviation

8

1 601 607 USD

(R17 938 000)

3 203 214 USD

(R 35 876 000)

2

Imvubu Aviation Services

8

1 485 500 USD

(R16 448 200)

2 971 000 USD

(R 32 896 400)

1

b) 1 x Passenger Aircraft

Service Provider

BEE Score

Total Cost

Rank

HCR Ilanga Aviation Solutions

8

268 923 USD

(R2 977 650)

3

SRS Aviation

8

131 650 USD

(R1 457 700)

1

Imvubu Aviation Services

8

215 883 USD

(R2 390 360)

2

*USD/ZAR exchange rate used on 18 October 2014 during evaluation calculated at R 11.0725.

The approved requirement was reduced to one Antonov 124 and an official order to that effect was issued on 5 November 2014 for R 16 448 200.00.

(f) The initial specifications by DOT was for two Antonov 124 cargo planes and one passenger aircraft plane. However, due to numerous factors, including cost, only one Antonov 124 was approved and paid by the DOT.

The Antonov 124 was tasked to transport eight vehicles and specialized equipment to Lagos to assist in the repatriation of the remains of South Africans and to return with said remains, vehicles and equipment.

Amongst the eight vehicles transported were four Forensic Pathology Trucks from the Department of Health that are specifically designed to handle bodies in disaster situations.

Nigerian authorities officially handed over positively identified mortal remains of seventy-four South Africans to Minister Radebe at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria on Saturday 15 November 2014.

The Antonov 124 departed from Nigeria on the evening of Saturday 15 November 2014 and arrived home in South Africa on the morning of Sunday 16 November 2014. A formal reception ceremony was hosted on Sunday 16 November 2014 at the Air Force Base Waterkloof to receive the remains of the South Africans who had perished.

(2) No irregularities were found.

Source file