DA calls for the removal of Gauteng Health Department HOD.
THE DA is taking its fight against Gauteng Health Department head, Lesiba Arnold Malotana, to the public.
The party launched a petition on Wednesday, 18 September, which calls on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to remove Malotana.
The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, are gravely concerned by the ongoing mismanagement of the Gauteng Health Department, riddled with corruption and shocking hospital failures. We call on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to overhaul the department’s leadership, starting with the removal of Head of Department Lesiba Arnold Malotana, who is under investigation for allegedly taking part in an R8 million bribe.”
DA Gauteng MPL Jack Bloom said the party believes radical change in top management is needed to cut rampant corruption and ensure the budget is properly spent on decent public healthcare in Gauteng.
“Malotana was appointed as acting Head of Department (HOD) in April last year. In July this year, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko announced at a health committee meeting that he had been appointed as HOD two months previously.
“I have referred Premier Lesufi’s suspicious appointment of Malotana to the Public Protector to probe possible irregularities, and they have informed me the Public Service Commission (PSC) is now investigating it,” Bloom said.
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He said he was particularly concerned that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is investigating allegations that Malotana shared a R8 million bribe with two other officials.
Bloom said questions have been raised about his qualifications for the job.
Chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration Jan de Villiers has also requested the PSC to investigate his appointment.
In July, Lesufi strongly refuted claims that Malotana’s appointment was shrouded in secrecy.
He emphasised that the appointment process was transparent and adhered to standard procedure.
“It should not be forgotten that the department tried to cover up corrupt payments at Thembisa Hospital, revealed by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran. And the viral video by Tom London has highlighted shocking treatment of patients in Gauteng public hospitals,” said Bloom.
He said a good response to the DA petition will pressure Lesufi to do what is necessary to clean up the failing department.
Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi
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