DA slams KZN Health Committee for not dealing with departmental corruption
28 January 2020
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed by the lack of urgency and commitment demonstrated by the KwaZulu-Natal Health Portfolio Committee when it comes to tackling corruption within the province’s Department of Health.
Last week, the DA laid charges of corruption against several former high-ranking officials including the Head of Department (HOD) and Chief Financial Officer. This after a report by the Public Protector (PP) which found more than R31 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure had taken place in the procurement of mobile hospital units several years ago. The PP also found that the people of KZN had received no benefit from the units.
The main reason for the DA laying charges was to ensure that consequences follow these individuals even though they have left the Department’s employ. Time and again, under this ANC-led administration, we have seen the complete lack of penalties for officials once they resign.
Yet despite a letter written to KZN’s Health Committee Chairperson Majola - requesting that this important matter be included on the agenda at the next meeting, scheduled for Thursday this week - it does not appear on the agenda. Our other requests, that the PP’s report to be presented before the committee and that KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, present her plan for remedial action are also not listed.