By Kwanele Dhladhla
The House of Assembly has tasked Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula to provide answers as to why the tender for pharmaceuticals and vaccines should not be declared null and void following alleged flouting of procurement legislation.
This happened after Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini successfully moved a motion that Matsebula provide answers as to why Tender No.2 of 2025/2026 on the supply and delivery of pharmaceuticals and vaccines was flawed so that it favours a certain company or supplier which stands to be to be awarded a contract for two years.
“The minister should give reasons why this tender should not be deemed null and void and a re-tender issued in strict compliance with Tender procedures as provided in the Procurement Act of 2011,” submitted Dlamini.
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Dlamini explained that the minister provided answers mainly because the Kingdom was presently faced with the drug crisis which continues to threaten the lives of Emaswati.
He said the issue of medical suppliers was also controversial. Therefore, it is important for the minister to provide clarity in order for the nation and suppliers alike to be at ease.
The MP alleged that during tender opening, much against provisions of the procurement legislation, tenderers were called in individually, yet it should have been a public tender opening where all suppliers convene in a single room.
“The minister must explain why the tendering process must not be started afresh,” Dlamini emphasised.
Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu said he was at pains that the drug crisis continues to persist in Eswatini.
He said factors which propelled the lack of adequate medication were the lack of transparency in the procurement process which resulted in awarding incompetent suppliers.
“We need answers as to as to why the procurement legislation was not adhered because emaSwati are dying due to the shortage of medication,” Ndlovu said.
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Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg clarified that the tendering process was done in accordance with the legislation.
He advised that it would be folly to start the process afresh just because the tenderers were aggrieved.
“Let us consider how the process was conducted before revocation,” he advised.
Dlamini conceded that it would be important that the minister’s response be considered before the tender gets revoked.
