Carelessness, incompetence or both?

The following entry appears in the minutes of a Bid Adjudication Committee meeting held in the office of the acting Director: Planning and Development:

• “That Erf 60, Cape St. Francis be awarded to Mr. K Schlosz (sic) to the amount of R351 000 ... “

The very next item reads as follows:

• “That Erf 60, Cape St. Francis be awarded to Mr. J. Natal to the amount of R145 000 … “

The minutes were signed off by Mrs. L. Simanga, Chairperson, and approved by the Municipal Manager, Dr. E.M Rankwana.

When Clr. Ben Rheeder pointed out the error, Dr. Rankwana, to his credit, sheepishly acknowledged the blunder and promised to have it investigated.

• By the way, could Mr. J. Natal and the municipality’s law enforcement officer be one and the same person?