Speaker, during the 2012 financial year a tender to the value of R5,7 million was awarded to a construction company for civil works in the Mookgophong Local Municipality in Limpopo. It was pointed out to the council that the company did not meet the minimum requirements, as set out by the construction industry, but the ANC mayor and chief whip turned a blind eye. Perhaps this is because the mayor allegedly received a free bakkie in the same year as a gift from the same contractor. [Interjections.]
Then, in September 2013, the same contractor received a R97 million tender to repair roads across the province. The contractor is behind schedule and will not be able to finish the roads before the August deadline. The DA has documentation that proves that this contractor has a long and inappropriate relationship with a number of ANC politicians in the province and, earlier this morning, the party requested the Public Protector to probe this R97 million tender.
The DA supports procurement processes aimed at empowering all South Africans, but this kind of tender rigging and favouritism has become a hallmark of Jacob Zuma's ANC. It means that only a connected few benefit. It excludes people and a stop must be put to it. Thank you. [Applause.]
Speaker, on a point of order.
Yes, sir?
Speaker, that hon member must respect the President of the country. He cannot call him by name. Thank you.
That is the ruling of the House, yes.