Gauteng Premier David Makhura has on Wednesday suspended Head of Department of Health Professor MkhululiLukhele, following recommendations made by Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Lukhele was allegedly implicated by the SIU in the irregular award of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts.
The Special Investigating Unit found that the head of department (HOD) failed to exercise his responsibility in the awarding of contracts to certain companies for the procurement of goods and services in relation to the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The DA’s MPL Jack Bloom in Gauteng has called on premier Makhura to immediately suspend the province’s health headlast month. Bloom said he called for Lukhele’s suspension after it was revealed in a reply to his questions in the Gauteng legislature.
It was alleged that Lukhele authorised the choice of a “fishy” company for a R140m contract. This contract that was found to be irregular and cancelled after R17.2m was already paid. Bloom called for the SIU reports to be made public and criminal charges instituted against all those implicated in corruption.
“Swift action is needed to recover funds and clean up the deep rot in this department, which needs new political and administrative leadership untainted by previous failures.” Bloom said.
Lukhele will remain in precautionary suspension pending the completion of the investigations by the SIU and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct.
Meanwhile, DA has approached the Special Investigating Unit requesting a full investigation into the City of Joburg’s Covid-19 expenditure, which will no doubt uncover the full extent of the theft by the ANC government. These funds should have been used to help the most vulnerable during this tragedy, not line the pockets of the political elite.
