The Auditor-General of South Africa says there is a lack of political will to address persistent challenges in the Gauteng Department of Health, which continues to be plagued by procurement failures.
Presenting the national and provincial audit outcomes for the 2024/25 financial year, Tsakane Maluleke lambasted the province, saying its management of public finances has regressed.
The report shows Gauteng recorded irregular expenditure of R5.1 billion, while ten provincial departments failed to comply with supply chain management legislation.
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Maluleke singled out the Departments of Health and Education in Gauteng, which together account for about 70% of the province’s budget.
The health department remains under scrutiny following the R2 billion tender scandal at Tembisa Hospital, investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Andy Mothibi confirmed the SIU report was handed to the NPA and there would be action against those involved.
Maluleke said problems in the health department have persisted for years without adequate intervention, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability.
“The response of the political leadership has been less than admirable. The political will to fix the problems simply has been lacking.”
She said, despite the health department being the biggest one on the continent, it shouldn’t have the problems it currently has.
Dimakatso Leshoro
www.ewn.co.za
