The DA in Limpopo welcomes the preservation order obtained by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) from the Special Tribunal to freeze the pension benefits of former Limpopo Department of Health Head of Department, Dr Thokozani Mhlongo, pending the final determination of civil proceedings, for recovery of damages or losses suffered.

This follows Dr Mhlongo resigning earlier this year in the face of a disciplinary hearing related to investigation into the department's procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).

The SIU investigations seemingly uncovered irregularities in the appointment of service providers for the supply and delivery of PPE items which resulted in the department incurring irregular expenditure and/or fruitless and wasteful expenditure of around R182 million.

She also allegedly exposed the department to wasteful expenditure when she authorised the procurement of cellphones to the value of R10 million for Covid 19 household screening.

The SIU further stated that the preservation order was a continuation of the implementation of their investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses and that they would continue to pursue officials who resign in the face of investigation or disciplinary action.

The DA has constantly called on Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha, and the Limpopo MEC for Health, Phophi Ramathuba to make the SIU report on the Limpopo Department of Health public. This will ensure accountability from those implicated and ensure all processes are transparent.

The people of Limpopo have a right to know which unethical department officials, individuals and companies wasted public funds and resources during a devastating Covid-19 pandemic. It is important that any individual or company that is found guilty of wrongdoing never does business with provincial government departments again.

With a health department that is strained for resources, the funds that were irregularly spent or that were fruitless and wasteful expenditure could have been used to address staff and equipment shortages as well as infrastructure backlogs in the province.

The DA welcomes any action by organs of the state to recoup financial losses by state institutions and to hold officials and companies that may have been responsible accountable.

 

Issued by Risham Maharaj MPL - DA Limpopo Spokesperson for Health