HDA WARNS THE PUBLIC AGAINST PROCUREMENT AND TENDER SCAMS

The Housing Development Agency (HDA) has become aware of an increase in fraudulent activities involving fake tender award letters, appointment letters, procurement communications, and individuals falsely claiming to represent the HDA.

These scammers use fraudulent documents bearing the HDA logo and branding to mislead service providers, businesses, and members of the public into believing that they have been awarded contracts or appointed to provide services to the HDA.

The latest reported scam involves a fraudulent tender award communication relating to Tender No. HDA/HO/2026/009: Request for Proposal for the Appointment of a Service Provider for the Provision of Security Services at Portion 5, 6, 7, and 8 of ERF 5246 and Physical Guarding Security Services on Portion 59 of ERF 229, Kroonstad, Moqhaka Local Municipality, Free State Province.

Members of the public and service providers are advised that any tender-related correspondence should be verified directly with the HDA before any action is taken. The HDA strongly cautions against making any payments, providing confidential information, or concluding agreements based on communications that have not been officially verified.

The HDA wishes to place on record that:

• The HDA does not request payments, deposits, registration fees, or any other form of payment in exchange for the award of a tender or contract.
• All HDA procurement processes are conducted in accordance with applicable legislation and supply chain management policies.
• Legitimate tender opportunities are advertised through official procurement channels and government platforms.
• Any communication relating to tenders, bids, or appointments should be verified directly with the HDA before any action is taken.

Members of the public and businesses are urged to exercise caution when receiving suspicious emails, letters, phone calls, or messages claiming to originate from the HDA.

Anyone who receives a suspicious tender award letter or procurement-related communication is encouraged to report the matter immediately.

To report fraud or corruption, contact:

• Independent whistle-blowing channels: HDA@behonest.co.za
• Telephone: 0801 122 344
• WhatsApp Chatbot & Telephone: 0860 004 004
• SMS: 48691

You may also report fraud and corruption to:

• DHS Special Investigations Directorate: 012 421 1535 / 1641
• DHS Call Centre: 0800 146 873
• Human Settlements Ombudsman: 0800 146 873
• National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701
• Public Protector South Africa: 0800 11 20 40
• Presidential Hotline: 17737
• The HAWKS: 012 846 4590
• South African Police Service (SAPS): 08600 10111
• Or your nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station.

Verify Before You Act

To verify the authenticity of any HDA tender communication or to report suspected fraud, contact: HDA Head Office; Tel: 011 544 1000; Website: www.thehda.co.za

The HDA remains committed to protecting the integrity of its procurement processes and urges all stakeholders to remain vigilant against fraud and corruption