It was recently revealed that the Gauteng Health Department has wasted over R13m on nine suspended staff members, with some cases stretching back several years due to prolonged investigations and hearing delays.

According to the DA’s Gauteng Member of the Legislature (MPL) Jack Bloom, this was revealed by the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written response to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

“Advocate Mpelegeng Lebeloane, former Chief Director: Legal Services, received a staggering R4.7m while sitting at home from July 2019 until 2013 when she was told to report for duty, and then retired in July this year.”

He said three senior staff were suspended since 26 January 2022 for alleged financial misconduct concerning the refurbishment of the Anglo Ashanti Hospital.

“One has recently resigned, but more than R6m has been spent so far on their salaries in this inexcusably long-running matter.

“Two more officials, suspended since July 2022 under investigation by the SIU, have yet to face charges – a shocking delay in accountability.”

Bloom added that three officials suspended this year include an admin clerk implicated in a job-selling scam, a medical officer accused of sexual assault, and an admin and logistics clerk facing assault charges.

“The department blames the delays on “prolonged investigations and repeated postponements of hearing dates.”

“This pathetic handling of disciplinary matters is one of many management failures which justify the DA’s call for Premier Panyaza Lesufi to remove Department Head Lesiba Malotana.”

He said the DA stands firmly against prolonged disciplinary processes as they affect the effective running of departments and lead to poor service delivery to citizens.

“We propose that the suspension period should not exceed 60 days.”