The IFP welcomes the Gauteng Premier’s decision to immediately place the Health Department’s HoD, Prof. Mkhululi Lukhele, on suspension. This is a commendable and appropriate action, which signals that there is political will in the fight against rooting out corruption and maladministration in the Province.
The precautionary suspension follows the SIU’s findings, which indicted Lukhele for his failure to act, in accordance with his duties, against the suspiciously awarded procurement contracts for goods and services related to the Covid-19 response.
Lukhele’s suspension should set an example for sterner consequence management against corrupt officials, corrupt tenders, and wasteful and irregular expenditure. Administrative officials can no longer escape accountability in fulfilling their duties.
It is our hope that the SIU investigations and the disciplinary proceedings for misconduct will take place without further delay, since tax-payers are still paying the salaries of these suspended officials in the interim.
The IFP urges the Hon. Acting MEC of Health, Jacob Mamabolo, to ensure that the Department’s funding is used lawfully and sparingly to fulfil its intended purpose. The remaining officials within the Department must prove us wrong by ensuring that no further corruption cases creep up under their watch.
The IFP echoes the calls for Covid-19 awareness to continue.
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Contact:
Bonginkosi Dhlamini
IFP Gauteng Chairperson
082 565 3571