The Gauteng Department of e-Government is currently embroiled in litigation over a disputed R198 million technology tender awarded to Techex Digital Solutions (Pty) Ltd. The dispute centres on a proposed partial contract award and alleged breaches of procurement regulations under the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
According to court-related reports and Mail & Guardian investigations published on 8 and 12 November 2026, the department initially sought to partly award an R80 million segment of the contract with plans to secure Treasury approval for an additional R79 million to cover the full value. The full tender value awarded to Techex totals approximately R197.8 million including VAT.
In contrast, Brilliant Telecommunications submitted a competing bid of R119.6 million but did not meet the functionality threshold, scoring 120 points against the minimum threshold of 128. Brilliant Telecommunications has since challenged the procurement process through legal channels, emphasising adherence to constitutional and lawful procurement processes in their court papers.
Internal probity auditors reportedly recommended that the tender be cancelled due to irregularities. The case has been linked to potential PFMA violations and questions around budget discipline. Officials named in connection with the internal committee overseeing the tender include Sizwe Sibisi, Nonkululeko Kekana, MP Mhlomi, and M Ngcobo, although some specific details remain unverified.
The existing contract with Brilliant Telecommunications was due to expire on 31 October 2026. The Gauteng e-Government department has declined detailed comment, citing ongoing litigation. Spokesperson Nhlanhla Cebekhulu told Mail & Guardian: “currently a subject of litigation and, for that reason, we are not in a position to provide comment”.
This dispute comes amidst a broader scrutiny of provincial IT spending and governance within Gauteng. The tender process presents a test case for procurement legality, fiscal oversight, and the continuity of critical public digital services. The outcome could have wider implications for the integrity of government tender procedures in the province.
Further details on the court proceedings, internal communications, and final resolution are awaited. CapeFlats.co.za will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new verified information becomes available.