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The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) condemns tender corruption allegations involving the Acting Head of Department in the Gauteng Department of Health, Arnold Malotana, and two senior officials, Edgar Motha and Sheriff Lecholo. The three officials are alleged to have received bribes to manipulate tender processes, which eventually led to BAS Medxpres being awarded two tenders within the department.

According to reports, the three officials received millions in rands in bribes to leak sensitive information that would advantage BAS Medxpress in bidding for upcoming tenders. This is despite the company not being equipped to deliver on the specified requirements.

NUPSAW is disappointed that there has not been any action taken against the three officials and they are still receiving salaries from the department, including enjoying other benefits that come with their positions. The Union is disappointed with the health MEC for her reluctance to institute an internal investigation and we call on the premier to call her to order. The position of NUPSAW is that Mr Malotana, Edgar Motha, and Sheriff Lecholo should be suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigation.

We condemn the ongoing bogus disciplinary hearing against one of the whistleblower at Masakhane  Provincial Laundry and Cook Freeze Cde Mathews Ledwaba. We are appealing to the premier to ensure his safety as he is charged directly by Malotoane and Motha.

NUPSAW has taken note of the dire impact of the growing corruption, which has engulfed the Gauteng Department of Health. The department has been at the center of several tender corruption scandals that led to the murder of a whistle-blower within the department in August 2021.

What is even more worrying, is that the corrupt Health officials have no shame in compromising the health of the vulnerable citizens of the province who depend on public health facilities. They continue to enrich themselves by stealing from the poor of the poorest.

This Union will not rest until we curb the scourge of corruption affecting the poor and marginalized citizens of the country. The alleged perpetrators should face the full might of the law.

Issued by NUPSAW