All's not well at Mpuma health
2003-09-03 08:28
Nelspruit - The Scorpions have launched an investigation into alleged fraud and corruption in Mpumalanga's health department, but it is still in the early stages.
Gerhard Nel, the unit's provincial chief, confirmed the investigation was related to "management of funds".
The advocate did not want to give any more details as it could jeopardise the investigation.
Meanwhile, two women allegedly at the centre of the latest storm walked into new posts without any disciplinary action being initiated against them.
They were "redeployed" after three forensic audit reports allegedly uncovered serious mismanagement and several irregularities.
Sibongile Manana, former MEC for health, was appointed to a similar position in the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, and Riena Charles, a former head of department, is now deputy director-general of Mpumalanga.
Premier Ndaweni Mahlangu has refused since Sunday to comment on why the women were not dismissed.
Tender 'irregularities' being probed
One of the reports suggested that criminal charges be filed against Charles, who was described as unfit to head up a government department.
Charles allegedly interfered in the granting of tenders worth millions of rands that could have benefited companies belonging to Percy Siboza, a well-known businessman and her brother-in-law.
It is alleged the contracts of companies that did not want to pay Siboza a "commission" or enter into a partnership with him were cancelled.
The audits also found orders for equipment for provincial hospitals were unlawfully inflated. This apparently resulted in irregular expenses of R13.7m.
Some hospitals received useless equipment for which they had not asked. Emergency equipment they did request was never ordered.
Another report found that nearly a third of Mpumalanga's HIV/Aids budget was wasted on soccer matches, plays and prayer meetings.
A local tribal chief's unregistered charity organisation apparently received more than R1m from this budget.
The money should have been allocated to organisations that treated Aids patients at home.
Criminal charges were also recommended against Richard Mnisi, financial head of the department. However, he is still in his post.