CARMEL RICKARD: Lessons from government’s central supplier database
The government’s central supplier database aims to simplify the procurement process. But those who use it need to be on the ball
One of the most quoted boasts about the government’s central supplier database (CSD), introduced in 2015, is that it should result in "one single database to serve as the source of all supplier information for all spheres of government" and should "reduce duplication of effort and cost for both supplier and government while enabling electronic procurement processes". In other words, even if the business you run is a small one, it would be worth registering on the CSD. Bidding for government work would be much easier because all your information would be easily accessible in one place. But what happens when the government, at whatever level, doesn’t make correct use of the CSD? And what if its failure to do so causes you to lose the job? These questions are far from academic, as a recent tender dispute involving the Walter Sisulu local municipality, in the Eastern Cape, makes clear. The municipality had invited tenders for the upgrading of roads, with a closing date of November 6 201...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.