A scathing report by the Public Protector has recommended that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi consider lifestyle audits and possible disciplinary action against officials implicated in the failed repair project at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital following the devastating 2021 fire.
The recommendations form part of Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka’s formal report into the state’s response to the blaze, which previously found that severe failures by both the Gauteng Department of Health and the Department of Infrastructure Development contributed to years of delays, underspending, and poor project management.
The Public Protector has now recommended that Lesufi exercise clear and decisive oversight over the implementation of the mandated remedial action.
Gcaleka also wants officials responsible for supply chain management, procurement, and financial management to be subjected to stringent lifestyle audits, conducted in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“The longer it takes to address these repairs, the more the cost is going to be,” Gcaleka warned during the release of the report.
Furthermore, the report recommends that accounting officers who were involved in the fire repair project and remain employed by the state face consequence management within 60 days.
The Public Protector has also directed the National Minister of Health, alongside the Gauteng MECs for Health, Finance, and Infrastructure, to ensure that the remedial actions are fully and urgently implemented.
Mongezi Koko
www.ewn.co.za
