Note to Editors: Please find a soundbite in English from Dr Jack Bloom here.
The DA in Gauteng will closely monitor the referrals made by the SIU report released today on Tembisa Hospital corruption, including 116 disciplinary referrals and the four criminal matters sent to the National Prosecuting Authority.
The interim findings have exposed three major syndicates that siphoned off more than R2 billion through fraudulent supply contracts, along with six smaller networks. Most alarming is the revelation that the largest syndicate is tied to Hangwani Morgan Maumela, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew by a previous marriage, which secured contracts worth R816 million. In addition, three companies awarded contracts totalling R13.5 million are linked to Vusimusa “Cat” Matlala, who is currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend and is under scrutiny by the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for alleged SAPS corruption.
It is gratifying that the Asset Forfeiture Unit has identified assets worth R520 million belonging to Mr Maumela, and secured some of them, including six properties and six luxury vehicles, including four Lamborghinis.
The Gauteng Health Department needs to take speedy disciplinary action against the 13 identified officials implicated in the 116 SIU referrals. They should not be allowed to resign before completion of the disciplinary process, as happened with former Chief Financial Officer Lerato Madyo who was suspended with pay for two years before resigning.
According to the SIU, corrupt payments to officials total R122 million, and they should be made liable to pay this money back, including attachment of their pension money.
The important thing is that the big fish should not be allowed to get away, as these are mostly lower-level officials. We await further criminal referrals to the NPA which should not delay in pursuing charges against the syndicate bosses and their accomplices.
We are disappointed that implicated companies have not yet been blacklisted, and some of them may still be benefiting from government contracts.
We reiterate our call to Premier Panyaza Lesufi to remove Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Head of Department Lesiba Malotana. They need to be held accountable for continuing irregular spending and service delivery failures.
The Gauteng Health Department needs new leadership to root out all corruption and provide decent healthcare. Babita Deokaran gave her life to expose this devastating corruption. In honour of her and all other whisteblowers, it is now time for action to be taken against the perpetrators.