The IFP in the KZN Legislature says the KZN MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, must account as to how tenders worth R17 million – which have been declared irregular by the Auditor-General – were awarded.
Heads must roll on this matter.
It seems that the KZN Department of Health has become a fertile ground for corruption. According to the information available, the AG is demanding answers from this Department about two irregular tenders. One relates to security for the provincial pharmacy supply, and another was awarded to an outdoor advertising company.
The buck stops with the KZN MEC of Health. As the political head of the Department, she must be held accountable for tenders awarded under her watch. We have stated in the past that the KZN MEC for Health is failing to provide good leadership; it is apparent that the KZN Department of Health is in shambles.
This is not the first scandal that has rocked the Department. Two security companies, LK Security and Sharks Protection, are suing the Department for R24 million for breach of contract. In addition, the Department is being sued for R1 million by an e-hailing driver, who was assaulted by Mafoko Security guards at RK Khan Hospital in February 2022.
Further, to date no one has been held accountable for the controversial R61 million tender that saw the KZN Health Department lease a mobile clinic unit for R52.5 million. The former Department Head, Dr Sibongile Zungu, signed off on the lease in August 2013, agreeing to pay Mzansi Lifecare R1.5 million per month until August 2022 to lease the vehicle – without staff.
We demand answers regarding progress of the implementation of the Public Protector’s recommendations on this matter. The Public Protector tasked the HoD with, amongst others, reporting the particulars of the alleged financial misconduct to the provincial Treasury and the AG.
The MEC must provide feedback on how she intends to prevent SCM corruption in her Department. As the IFP, we urge the KZN Premier to summon the KZN MEC for Health and take her to task for all the shenanigans taking place in her Department. Immediate action must also be taken against all those flouting SCM processes.
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Contact
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana, Mpl,
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson for Health,
078 302 3991
