The DA calls on Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to remove Mr Lesiba Malotana as head of the Gauteng Health Department following the proclamation of an SIU investigation concerning two contracts in which he allegedly shared more than R10 million in bribes with two other officials.
In the Government Gazette of 8 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed the SIU investigation into any irregular, improper or unlawful conduct concerning the following tenders:
* GT/GDH/027/2015: Supply and delivery of three-division plastic containers with lids, small tubs with lids and dual-surface polyester film;
* GT/GDH/128/2016: Supply and delivery of orthopaedic implants, fracture treatment and arthroscopy items.
The heat is now turned up on Malotana and the two officials as the SIU has powers for further investigation, can lay criminal charges, and recover money through civil court action and asset forfeiture.
According to an amaBhungane article published in April 2023, a whistleblower accused Malotana and two senior officials of manipulating supply chain processes to ensure that medical devices company BAS Medxpress (BAS Med) got two tenders in 2016 and 2017.
At the time, Malotana was the Chief Director of the Special Projects Directorate and the CEO of Gauteng EMS.
The SIU has investigated a R31 million contract to supply plastic food containers to the department’s Masakhane Laundry and Cook-Freeze Factory. Malotana allegedly shared a more than R8 million kickback with the other two officials for their supposed assistance with this tender.
Another alleged kickback payment was R3 million when BAS Med was selected to supply orthopaedic equipment to Gauteng hospitals.
It is outrageous that Premier Lesufi appointed Malotana as health head on 1 June despite the publicly known SIU investigation. Lesufi has replied to my questions on this that “The Office of the Premier is not aware of a final forensic investigation from the Hawks and/or SIU with the findings and recommendations related to Mr Malotana.”
I have referred possible irregularities in Malotana’s appointment to the Public Service Commission, which is currently investigating the matter, including whether he had the required Master’s degree when the advertisement closed.
The DA believes the Gauteng Health Department needs a top management shakeup to root out deep-seated corruption and inefficiency that harms patients in public hospitals and clinics.
Premier Lesufi should remove Malotana and recruit a new head of department with unquestioned integrity and competence.