Question NW2218 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
17 September 2021 - NW2218
Lees, Mr RA to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Whether, with reference to her oral reply to questions 31 on 3 March 2021 and the President’s reply to question 1077 on 24 May 2021, the investigation into the land purchase in New York has been completed ; if not, (a) what are the detailed reasons for the non – completion and (b) by what date will the investigation be completed; if so, (i) what are the details of the (aa) findings (bb) recommendations and (ii) will she furnish Mr R A Lees with a copy of the report; (2) Whether the findings and recommendations have been (a) accepted and (b) acted upon; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2522E
Reply:
1(a) Open Water Advanced Risk Solutions was appointed to conduct an investigation
(b) The investigation was completed in July 2019.
(i)(aa) the detailed findings are contained in a report, and confirm the 2017/18 AGSA findings.
(bb) the recommendations are contained in the report.
(ii) The Department has hard copies of the report.
2(a) the Director-General has been found guilty and dismissed with a 30 day notice period. In respect of other implicated officials, consequence management is currently underway.
(b) The Department brought a review application on 10 March 2018 to have the tender award reviewed and set aside by the High Court. The review application also request for the recovery of the money that was paid to the service provider by the Department. The hearing on the matter took place on 12 and 13 October 2020. The judgement was reserved and the Department is waiting for the outcome.