Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Kadoma
The Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, will deliver the keynote address at a two-day workshop for media professionals starting today at a hotel in Kadoma.
The workshop, organised by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), brings together journalists from various media houses to deepen their understanding of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (PPDPA). Participants will also be introduced to the Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system.
The eGP platform is a secure, web-based application managed by PRAZ that allows public entities and bidders to conduct procurement activities electronically. This system promotes competition, transparency, efficiency, and integrity in public procurement.
Enacted in 2017 and effective from January 2018, the PPDPA aims to foster transparency, honesty, cost-effectiveness, competition, and fairness in the procurement and disposal of public assets.
A key outcome of the Act’s implementation was the creation of PRAZ in 2018, which serves as the regulator overseeing compliance with the PPDPA. This marked a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote good governance and decentralize procurement.
The Act emphasises the development of comprehensive procurement plans that outline an entity’s procurement needs and strategies.
It sets clear procedures and timelines for different procurement types, prioritizing competitive bidding to encourage fairness, innovation, and healthy competition among bidders.
Additionally, the PPDPA mandates proper record-keeping and establishes review and debarment procedures for both bidders and procuring entities to ensure accountability.
This workshop aims to equip media personnel with knowledge to report accurately on public procurement matters, contributing to greater public awareness and transparency.
