The City of Cape Town intends to extend the current contract for data network services until a new service provider is appointed. Residents of Cape Town had the opportunity to submit their comments on the City's plans to extend the contract for data network devices and services, as the municipality was unable to find a replacement.
The City stated that this extension will ensure continuous network service, support, and procurement of critical infrastructure while the replacement tender process is underway, which was delayed by the cancellation of a new tender that was not awarded.
The municipality plans to amend the term of the current agreement concerning the supply, delivery, installation, maintenance, and commissioning of data network devices and services.
The notification emphasizes that the extension is necessary to maintain continuous service, support, and procurement of critical network infrastructure and services until the replacement tender process is completed and implemented.
The City explained the lack of bids for the new tender due to unforeseen circumstances that led to delays in appointing a new service provider. The notification was published on September 21, and it contains information that comments can be submitted in accordance with Section 21 of the Municipal Systems Act No. 32 of 2000.
The contract addendum indicates that the City proposes to amend the existing agreement with two service providers in accordance with the Municipal Finance Management Act. It also seeks authorization for the City Manager, Lungelo Mbandazayo, to sign the extended contract with representatives of the two service providers.
According to the addendum, First Technology Western Cape was appointed as the primary supplier, and Altron Systems Integration as the backup supplier for the period from July 2023 to June 2026. Both companies were required to provide the supply, delivery, installation, maintenance, and commissioning of data network devices and services.
The Supply Chain Management Evaluation Committee decided in April of this year to extend the tender from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, on a monthly basis until a new tender appears. The initial contract extension was not supposed to exceed six months while maintaining the same terms and rates until the new tender is implemented, depending on which event occurs first.
However, the City now proposes that the monthly contract come into effect on January 1, 2027. The purpose of this addendum is to extend the term of the contract regarding Appendix A for 12 months on a monthly basis, under the same terms, from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, or until the replacement tender is implemented, whichever comes first.