Mediamec Documents tied to an ongoing investigation into the Education, Training and Development Practices SETA have placed its former chief executive at the centre of a controversial multi-million-rand office lease agreement.
The lease, valued at just over R50 million over a multi-year period, is now under forensic review following concerns about how the contract was awarded and approved within the organisation’s procurement process.
Internal records show that the transaction followed a formal procurement pathway, beginning with a recommendation from the bid adjudication committee before moving through evaluation stages and ultimately reaching executive approval.
The documents further indicate that although multiple bidders were considered, only a limited number met the required compliance criteria before the process advanced to the final decision stage.
During the evaluation process, concerns were reportedly raised regarding the suitability of the proposed office location, including safety considerations, building conditions and long-term operational suitability for staff.
Despite these concerns, the process proceeded through the official governance structures, culminating in executive-level approval and the finalisation of the lease agreement.
Records show that the former CEO exercised final authority in approving the contract, with the decision marking the conclusion of the internal procurement chain. The agreement was then formalised and signed off as part of the organisation’s head office relocation plan.
The investigation is also examining the role of other senior officials involved in earlier stages of the process, including procurement committees and evaluation structures, some of whom have since been placed under precautionary suspension as part of the broader probe.
Authorities have not yet reached final conclusions, and the matter remains under active review as investigators assess whether proper procedures were followed and whether the lease represented value for public funds.
The organisation and implicated officials have not publicly commented in detail on the allegations while the investigation continues.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether further disciplinary, legal or administrative action will be taken in relation to the lease agreement.
