In an interview with OFM News, Mangaung Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor, Tjaart van der Walt, said the previous tender for printing expired in February 2020, when it became a month to month extension of the contract.

Since then no new tender has been advertised or awarded. Without copiers any document that need to be signed cannot be printed. This means that no approval process can take place which brings the city to a standstill, Van der Walt adds.

He says finances are a major issue at Mangaung, and they constantly have problems due to non-payment or late payment of contractors.

“End of last year we didn't have paper, earlier in the year water and diesel. The financial situation and absolute lack of leadership at Mangaung is seriously crippling the city,” he adds.

Mangaung Metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, says the current contract has lapsed and the municipality has started with the process of appointing a printing service.

He says they are also considering less printing or use of paper given technological developments.

“This is what we will also be considering in future ensuring that the city is adhering to the minimal use of the paper. We have small printers we are using for business continuity whilst supply chain processes are being attended to or bidding processes are taking place. We also need to ensure that there's good governance taking place in the entire value chain,” says Khedama.

“With the contract ending, the copiers were very hastily removed by the contractor or sheriff, but only yesterday staff were informed how to handle it when someone shows up to remove a copier,” he adds.

At the end of the year, the situation with extensions became untenable and it was decided the tender must be ended, says Van Der Walt.

“Mangaung has gone from one of the most financially sustainable to the worst metros in South Africa, and in the last five years the nail in the coffin was the current leadership, who does not care for the residents and city, but only their own power and factional interests,” concludes Van der Walt.

OFM News/Blaine Jones