The Tshwane metro council has abandoned plans to make the race of a tenderer count for half the points awarded in considering tenders for the sale of municipal properties, the Freedom Front Plus said on Monday.
A policy document approved in June had recommended the adjustment of the system by which points are awarded — with price making up 50% and the race of the tenderer another 50%, it said in a statement in Pretoria.
”In practice it would mean that it would be impossible for a white person to purchase council property if such a white person had to compete with a black person for a tender,” the party said.
”Up to now, the price had constituted 80% of points awarded for properties which had a value of more than R30 000 and 90% of the points for properties with a value of more than R500 000. Race had only counted for 20% and 10% respectively.”
The council changed its plans following opposition by the FF+, the party said.
Such a move would have constituted blatant and unjustifiable discrimination against whites.
”[This is] a victory for justice and for the FF+’s approach to opposition politics,” MP Willie Spies said.
Council spokesperson Willie Baloyi could not be immediately reached for comment. — Sapa