MEC for social development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, announced the suspension of officials implicated in the procurement of blankets and PPEs.
This follows a damning forensic investigation report conducted into the procurement of the goods.
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The investigation report had recommended that disciplinary action be taken against the acting head of department, acting deputy director-general, chief financial officer (CFO), acting supply chain manager, cluster chief directors, and supply chain management (SCM) officials, accused of contravening, among others,sections 45, 81 and 88 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 1999.
The officials are also facing charges of misconduct in terms of Chapter 7, read with various SCM prescripts.
MEC Khoza acknowledges the work done by a team of investigators set up by the provincial executive council of KwaZulu-Natal to unearth malfeasance in the procurement of goods to be used in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The investigation was prompted by a number of allegations that were reported in the media.The provincial executive requested provincial treasury to conduct a forensic investigation into the alleged irregularities.
MEC Khoza welcomed the report, stating that the department would ensure that all those implicated would be held to account.
She explained that the suspension of officials, including the removal of one employee in her office was showing commitment that the department would not tolerate corruption.
“As a department, we were taken aback by the outcome of the forensic investigation report, as presented by Premier Sihle Zikalala. The information unearthed by the investigation points to the high level of recklessness by officials tasked with safeguarding taxpayers’monies. I have since instructed the head of department, as an accounting officer, Nelly Vilakazi, to ensure that the recommendations of the report are implemented to the latter,” she said.
She stated that they take a strong exception to corruption and maladministration, especially during this period when the people are battling the scourge of COVID-19 and the ripple effect it has on other aspects of life.
“We will ensure that taxpayers’ money that was spent irregularly is recovered. Not only will we deal with officials, but we will also deal with companies that were involved in the process. We have engaged a multidisciplinary team, comprising officials from Social Development, Office of the Premier, and Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) to ensure the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the report. We have also opened two criminal charges with Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) (CAS 227/07/2020 and CAS 228/07/2020),” the MEC added.
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The procured goods also included sanitisers, wet wipes, soups and towels. MEC Khoza thanked the provincial executive council for their support during the investigation period.
“One would like to thank Premier Zikalala for providing leadership on the matter and we will ensure that we complete the process by ensuring accountability for each and every cent spent. We would alsolike to thank members of the media for their role in the matter,” said MEC Khoza.
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