Competitive Tendering for Non-Government Service Providers for the Disabled 

Gutch (1992:56) identifies four ways in which the introduction of competitive tendering 
can reduce the level of autonomy experienced by non-government service providers. That is,
the introduction of competitive tendering can lead to:

•	Changes in the way an agency organizes itself to deliver its services;

•	Changes in the agency’s clients;

•	Changes in the services provided; and 

•	A reduction or restriction in advocacy functions.

Morgain (1999), Richards (1998) and Schrapel (1998) all say that ‘service providers believe there has been a shift in the balance of power between government and non-government orgaisations over the last five years’

The disabled who attend for services in organisations therefore experience serious difficulties.
Their autonomy is ruined by competitive tendering. It is therefore necessary not to have competitive tendering for non-government providers for the disabled.

The Discrimination Act is silent on this aspect. Time has come to change the Act and not 
to maintain the status quo for a few when the silent majority disabled suffer. 

Melville Miranda 
Victoria  

Date:9-6-03