Lesiba Malotana, leading the Gauteng Department of Health, has been suspended immediately.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced Malotana’s suspension on Tuesday morning following revelations about a procurement syndicate within the provincial health system.
The health department is under intense scrutiny after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) disclosed that more than R2 billion was misappropriated from Tembisa Hospital.
Read/listen: Jeff Wicks on how syndicates exploited Tembisa Hospital for billions
“The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) reiterates its full support for the SIU and other law enforcement agencies,” stated the GPG.
“We are dedicated to eradicating maladministration and upholding the highest standards of accountability and ethical leadership.”
Dr. Darion Barclay will temporarily step into the HOD role while Malotana’s suspension is in place.
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Barclay previously held the HOD position for Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs, overseeing various municipal governance aspects.
Administration Calls
The DA has been pushing for Malotana’s removal for two years, questioning the validity of his appointment.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga accused Lesufi of pulling a public relations stunt and suggested that more stringent actions are required.
“The entire health department should be placed under administration, with a forensic investigation into all recent transactions within the department,” Msimanga told The Citizen.
Read: Tembisa Hospital crime syndicates evaded every alert mechanism
“Now Panyaza is taking action, not because it’s the right thing to do—something he should have initiated two years ago—but rather to be seen as taking action,” Msimanga added.
While announcing Malotana’s suspension, the GPG stated it would unveil the performance agreements of Lesufi’s MECs this week.
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Questions Surrounding Malotana’s Appointment
More than a year ago, the DA launched a petition to scrutinize Malotana’s appointment, emphasizing the ongoing SIU investigation.
“It’s crucial to note that the department attempted to hide the corrupt payments at Tembisa Hospital as revealed by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran,” the party remarked in September 2024.
That same month, the parliament’s portfolio committee on public service and administration acknowledged that Malotana was appointed despite the SIU alleging his involvement in an R8 million bribery scheme.
Read/listen: SIU details how syndicates drained billions from Tembisa Hospital
“Concerns exist regarding whether proper protocols were followed in Mr. Malotana’s appointment, including the verification of his qualifications and an assessment of alleged corrupt practices,” committee chair Jan de Villiers stated in 2024.
This article was first published here.
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