The SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) has backtracked on its controversial preferential procurement policy on legal advice, with the consequence that 80 tenders must be readvertised.
The withdrawal, cancellation, and readvertising of tenders have become a trend at Sanral, which achieved only half its road targets in the last financial year. The decision had been taken with "much angst" the board said in a statement.
Sanral abruptly changed its preferential procurement scorecard without consultation with the industry in May. Three construction and engineering firms are litigating to have the policy set aside. A month ago, Sanral board chair Themba Mhambi doubled down, saying it would not be changed.