Sars to pay Microsoft and IBM R2.75-billion in sole-source deals

South Africa's Revenue Service will pay Microsoft R1.58-billion and IBM R1.17-billion over three years to renew licences, hardware and support, both awarded without open tenders under SITA framework agreements. Other non-tendered tech deals include Vodacom (R141.6-million), Software AG (R95-million), Dell EMC (R63.8-million) and Orange Cyberdefense (R55-million).

• Microsoft deal: R1.58-billion over three years, about R526-million a year
• IBM contract: R1.17-billion for hardware, software and support
• AI assistant Lwazi answered 2.7 million taxpayer questions, 82.9% positive
• Sars seeks R6.3-billion for operating costs and workforce renewal