The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has issued a statement to address the “narrative of irregularities and noncompliance regarding the award of tenders to joint ventures (JVs) with Chinese companies”, with the entity providing evidence of compliance on the part of the winning bidders.

Sanral earlier this months awarded four out of five major tenders that were cancelled in June owing to “a material irregularity in the tender process”.

The award of the four tenders, however, has raised concern among some industry bodies, as the appointed JVs include foreign companies.

Sanral outlines that it has been contended that the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) status of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) has expired.

However, it says CSCEC South Africa has the following credentials according to CIDB records  – CRS Number: 10092658; Grade: 9CE; Expiry: 21/02/2023.

“It would appear that the media house that has published the story is confusing CSCEC Southern Africa, which is different from CSCEC South Africa,” Sanral points out.

It adds that it is further contended that the enterprise status of Mota Engil Construction South Africa (Mecsa) is listed as “deregistered”.

Mecsa Construction is the company that forms part of the JV that won one of the bids. Sanral indicates that it has the following credentials according to CIDB records – CRS Number: 157304; Grade: 9CE; Expiry: 11/03/2024.

“The said media house is confusing Mota Engil Construction South Africa with Mecsa Construction. This lack of attention to detail is unfortunate as it can lead both the writer and the reader into believing a false narrative,” Sanral states.

The entity has reiterated its position that proper processes were followed in the award of the four tenders in question.

“The tenders were adjudicated by the Development Bank of Southern Africa in a fair and transparent process where any and all eligible South African companies had the opportunity to submit a compliant tender,” Sanral indicates.

“The apparent obsession with discrediting the process and perpetuating an anti-Asian narrative is not useful. South Africa enjoys fraternal relations with China within Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and China is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners.

“Moreover, South African law does not prohibit any foreign company from doing business in the country.

“We hope that having supplied the portfolio of evidence that reflects the compliance and eligibility of the companies which won the tenders, will put this matter to rest so we can get on with responding to our core mandate, to develop and maintain the national road network. South Africans need to start working and Sanral is committed to making that possible,” Sanral communications and marketing GM Vusi Mona asserts.