The Inkatha Freedom Party has once again written to Public Protector, to raised its concern over the delay in investigations into the controversial R61 million tender that saw the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department lease a mobile clinic unit for R52.5 million after the former KwaZulu-Natal Health Department Head, Dr Sibongile Zungu signed off on the lease in August 2013, agreeing that the department would pay Mzansi Lifecare R1.5 million every month until August this year to lease the vehicle without staff.
“I have written a formal letter to Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, requesting that she furnishes me with a copy of the progress report on the investigation conducted into the controversial R61 million tender as she is required to do by the Constitution and by law. We had asked the previous Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela to investigate this matter so that we can confirm that where there was abuse of state resources in the awarding of this tender so that those who are involved in this particular matter can be dealt with in accordance with the law,” said Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health.
“It is now absolutely essential that we obtain an update from the Public Protector as to what progress has been made in this investigation, and given an indication as to when a preliminary report will be completed. Public funds were wasted in this tender. We have asked many questions about this matter from the KZN MEC of Health, Dr Sbongiseni Dhlomo in the legislature but were not given suitable responses,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“We are concerned about such long delays in bringing to justice those who abuse positions of power while depleting state coffers. Such delays undermine the integrity of the justice system as well as cultivate a culture of impunity amongst the corrupt. The poorest and most vulnerable amongst us feel the impact of these shady deals which sees money intended for public health care being squandered in this manner,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
The IFP will not rest until this matter is fully investigated and action is taken against all those implicated. It would therefore be amiss of the IFP not to ensure that correct procedures have been followed and we will continue to do this through rigorous oversight.
Issued by:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP Spokesperson on Health
078 302 3991
