- The Zimbabwean High Court, on December 31, 2025, ruled it lacks jurisdiction in a US$10 million tender dispute between the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and software supplier TTCS.
- Justice Jacob Manzunzu determined that disputes arising from alleged irregularities in tender processes fall under the exclusive purview of the Administrative Court.
- NSSA sought a declaratory order to invalidate the 2013 tender and agreements, citing non-compliance with procurement regulations.
- The High Court dismissed NSSA’s claim with costs, upholding TTCS’s preliminary objection.
The protracted legal battle stems from a 2013 tender for the supply and implementation of a social security system, which NSSA later deemed invalid due to alleged procedural non-compliance. TTCS, the software supplier, had invoiced NSSA for additional licenses and maintenance fees, which were not paid, leading to the dispute. NSSA’s assertion of tender invalidity came in August 2020, years after the initial agreement.
Central to the High Court’s decision was the question of proper legal forum. TTCS argued that any challenge to the special tender process should have been brought before the Administrative Court as per the Procurement Act. NSSA, conversely, contended it was within its rights to seek a declaratur under the High Court Act.
Justice Manzunzu sided with TTCS, emphasizing that decisions regarding the conduct of a closed tender fall within the specialist competence of the Administrative Court. This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to specific legal channels for procurement-related grievances in Zimbabwe.
Timeline
- January 7, 2026, 12:47 PM UTC (approx): NewZimbabwe.com publishes details of the High Court’s ruling on the NSSA tender wrangle.
Key Players
- National Social Security Authority (NSSA): Zimbabwean state-run social security body, plaintiff.
- TTCS: Software supplier, defendant in the tender dispute.
- Justice Jacob Manzunzu: High Court judge who delivered the ruling.
