Deputy Speaker, the Department of Correctional Services did not award any tenders for food and nutrition services in 2012. The existing contracts were extended by one year. Moreover, this decision was consistent with legal advice that was sought by the National Bid Adjudication Committee, which advised that, under the circumstances that prevailed, the department could consider extending the existing contract for the time period that would be required for the publication of a new tender, in compliance with supply chain management procedures.
At no stage in the work of the National Bid Adjudication Committee was this advice or the further legal advice from two other practitioners ignored. The national commissioner, secondly, has instituted an investigation into various aspects of management of the nutrition services contract in the department over the past 18 months to determine any possible managerial failures, any possible systems failures or any possible misconduct, to enable the department to avoid such situations in future. Where there has been failure, remedial action will be taken; and, if necessary, practical steps will be taken against officials who are so implicated. Thank you. [Applause.]