Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize inspects a motorcycle ambulance at the launch of the scooter project in the Eastern Cape. Picture: EC Department of Health
SIU welcomes firing of Eastern Cape Health MEC
SIU hails Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane’s move to boot Eastern Cape Provincial Health MEC (MEC) Sindiswa Gomba. The SIU had investigated allegations relating to the procurement of the motor cycle ambulances at a cost of R10 148 750.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize inspects a motorcycle ambulance at the launch of the scooter project in the Eastern Cape. Picture: EC Department of Health
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane’s decision to fire Eastern Cape Provincial Health MEC (MEC) Sindiswa Gomba following the investigating unit’s report regarding the provincial health department’s procurement of motorcycle ambulances.
The SIU had investigated allegations relating to the procurement of the motor cycle ambulances at a cost of R10 148 750 and found that the procurement process was allegedly irregular SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said on Thursday.
Kganyago said the SIU had made findings relating to Gomba and former superintendent-general of the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
“Premier Mabuyane relieved Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba from her duties on Thursday and committed to subject former Superintendent-General of the Department of Health to a disciplinary inquiry. This relates to their involvement in the procurement of motorcycle ambulances. The SIU made two referrals relating to the MEC and the former superintendent, which recommended administrative action and disciplinary action respectively,” he said.
SIU referrals to Premier
He said the referrals had been made to Premier Mabuyane February 1 and supplemented on the February 12, 2021.
“In view of the contract award that was irregularly made by the department, The SIU instituted civil proceedings in the Special Tribunal to interdict the department from executing the contract and making any payment based on it,” Kganyago said.
“The Special Tribunal granted the SIU the interdict and interdicted the department from making any payments to the supplier and from accepting delivery of any goods from the supplier, pending the finalisation of review proceedings to challenge the validity of the award and resulting contract,” he said.
Kganyago said civil proceedings to review and cancel the contract had been instituted by SIU in the Special Tribunal. The matter is expected to be heard on April 22, 2021.
The SIU is an independent forensic and litigation agency tasked with a mandate of investigating serious malpractice, corruption, malfeasance and maladministration in relation to the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interest of the State and the public.
Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms: siu@whistleblowing.co.za / Hotline: 0800 037 774
