Mpuma probing funds scams

2003-09-12 09:59

Pretoria - Mpumalanga Premier Ndaweni Mahlangu says a disciplinary tribunal is to probe people suspected of mismanagement of health department funds.

That was why he would not, for the time being, release reports about the matter, as asked for by the Democratic Alliance, he said in a letter faxed to provincial DA leader Clive Hatch.

"At this stage, the government is on the verge of taking actions against any possible wrongdoers, in terms of the reports.

"It is my view that it is not correct to release the reports at this stage, while the alleged wrongdoers are still to receive charges against them and adjudication is still to take place," said Mahlangu.

"I feel the disciplinary proceedings against these suspected wrongdoers might be prejudiced if the reports are released at this stage, due to the sensitivities of information and the possible witnesses to be called by the disciplinary tribunal," he said.

'Has had the reports for three months'

Hatch, however, said the DA would press ahead with its efforts to have the reports released.

"It is our view that justice can best be served through the release of these reports... The premier has had the reports for at least three months."

According to media reports, three separate investigations have uncovered massive fraud and corruption in the department.

This allegedly includes expenditure of about a third of the province's R19m HIV/Aids budget on soccer matches, plays, prayer days and the unregistered charity of a local chief.

There are, apparently, also irregularities concerning tender procedures and the purchase of unnecessary hospital equipment.

The DA called for the release of the reports after Mahlangu's announcement last month that he was reshuffling his executive council with effect from September 1.

This was mainly to rectify instances of mismanagement and "alleged wrongdoing" discovered by a series of forensic audits.

Health MEC Sibongile Manana was moved to the sports, recreation, arts and culture portfolio.

At the same time, Riena Charles, head of the health department, became deputy director-general in Mahlangu's office.

Last Sunday, Mahlangu accused the press in a newspaper advertisement of stealing the reports and of being in the habit of putting black people in jail "for displaying any form of economic success".

Hatch said his party was concerned about the unacceptable delay in the release of the reports.

"Concealing the facts surrounding Mpumalanga's department of health, rather than confronting the problem, is typical of the premier's approach to the province."

Would apply to have information released

He accused Mahlangu of trying to protect his political allies, including Manana.

The DA would now submit an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act to the information officer of the office of the premier, who would have 30 days to react.

After the 30-day period, the official could ask for another 30 days to comply. The procedure also makes provision for an internal appeal, which could take 10 days.

Hatch said if the reports had not been released by then, the DA might have to take court action.

Asked to comment, Mahlangu's spokesperson, George Mohlamoyane, said he was not able to confirm the contents of the letter.

"The best thing would be to get full information from the DA. We haven't seen the letter."

- SAPA