Speaker, this House should congratulate the openness and speed with which the Western Cape provincial government responded to the spurious tender allegations ... [Interjections.]
Order! Hon members, order!
... surrounding a communications tender which were made in the Sunday Times two weeks ago. The provincial government has nothing to hide, which is why the director-general has requested the Auditor-General to conduct a tender process audit.
That is the difference between the DA in government and the ANC in government. We respond to allegations on time and we hold ourselves to account. The ANC does everything it can to hide the truth, including subverting Chapter 9 institutions and Parliament.
Let us be very clear: The provincial government is confident that the bidding process was transparent, fair, equitable, competitive and cost- effective. There is absolutely no truth in the suggestion that there was anything improper or unprocedural in awarding the communications tender.
Questions do need to be asked about the manner in which the story was presented in the Sunday Times, by whom and for what purpose. Who came up with the R1 billion price tag - a complete fabrication? The tender was advertised in two major newspapers and the process was entirely above board. Why was this information ignored? There is not even a whiff of corruption about this tender.
The Western Cape government will continue to ensure that the truth comes out and will give the Auditor-General full access to any documentation or officials required for his investigation. The ANC should certainly learn from the DA's approach to accountability in government. [Applause.]