BCX to rescue eNatis

Johannesburg, 18 May 2007

Well-placed industry sources have confirmed that Business Connexion (BCX) has been approached by developer Tasima to aid the consortium in getting the widely-criticised electronic National Traffic Information System (eNatis) on its feet.

It has been almost two months since the implementation of the eNatis system began; yet its operation continues to be marred by downtime, sluggish performance and wide-spread criticism.

As the developers and supporters of the original National Traffic Information System (Natis), it is hoped that BCX will bring stability and performance to the system.

Neither the Department of Transport nor BCX were this morning willing to confirm that the black-empowered IT specialist had agreed to help Tasima with eNatis. Instead, departmental spokesman Collen Msibi referred ITWeb to Tasima, saying it was no business of the department and would have no cost impact on taxpayers.

"That would be a matter of the service provider, and we have no interest in the matter as long as it does not affect our pocket," said Msibi. "However, we would be quite glad to have another opinion brought to the matter and would appreciate the support in the matter of the eNatis system."

Meanwhile, Tasima chief executive Johan Vorster says that BCX has been involved in the eNatis implementation, but only as far as is normally required by the service provider of an outgoing system.

"It is not true that BCX was requested to assist with the eNatis system. eNatis was developed using our own consortium resources. At no stage, whatsoever, was BCX approached or used to assist with the development of eNatis."

Nevertheless, a source close to the matter says Tasima hopes to keep BCX's late invitation to the implementation quiet as it is seeking to "save face".

Tender irregularities

Meanwhile, people are asking that the tender process, which saw Tasima awarded the R408 million eNatis deal, be investigated.

Democratic Alliance MP and transport spokesman Stuart Farrow says he intends to question transport minister Jeff Radebe on the award when he appears before the Transport Portfolio committee.

"We know there was as much as a R100 million difference between the bidders - that's a vast amount of money. What were Tasima's credentials and how did this measure up against the criteria of the contract? Was black economic empowerment rating more important than ability to deliver? After all, we know that Tasima's lead contractor, Face Technology, has links to Schabir Shaik and the arms deal," he notes.

Farrow's comments follow DA leader Helen Zille's comments on BBC News programme Hardtalk that, under the guidance of the ANC government, the award of contracts to BEE companies had been marked by cronyism.

He adds: "The sad reality is that, under ANC control, public contracts have been used as 'jobs-for-pals' opportunities, rather than a true commitment to awarding contracts to BEE companies who can actually do the job at hand. We strongly support BEE, but are completely against this manner of implementation."

However, Department of Transport project manager Werner Koekemoer says the tender process has already been scrutinised by the High Court.

"Another bidder for the deal challenged the award of the contract to Tasima soon after it was announced. This matter was heard in the High Court and dismissed with costs," he concludes.