AfriForum seeks answers over R1.8bn Working on Fire tender

The department and WOF conclude a memorandum of agreement, allowing Kishugu to continue implementing the wildfire management programme; 2023-24: Tefla launches judicial review proceedings challenging both its disqualification and awarding of tender to Kishugu; April 2025: The High Court in Pretoria sets aside original award, finds procurement process defective; 2025-26: The department re-evaluates original bids rather than issuing a new tender; Early 2026: Tefla is identified as preferred bidder.

Since over three years of the original tender period had elapsed, the parties negotiate a reduced two-year implementation period instead of the five-year contract; and 19-20 May: Kishugu approaches the court for an urgent interim interdict to prevent the department from signing a anagrrement with Tefla.8 billion Working on Fire (WOF) contract procurement dispute, but questions over Tefla’s operational capability, alleged subcontracting arrangements and transparency of the evaluation process continue.