Gauteng Health Department Faces Scrutiny Amid Suspension of Lesiba Malotana
Natalie Nyathi
The Gauteng Department of Health is under intense scrutiny following the suspension of Lesiba Malotana, the head of the department, after a lifestyle audit flagged him as “high risk.” This audit was conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and has raised serious concerns about governance and accountability within the provincial health sector.
Acting Premier Faith Mazibuko announced Malotana’s precautionary suspension during a session in the Gauteng Legislature. This action comes as part of a broader initiative by the Gauteng government to conduct lifestyle audits on senior managers to ensure integrity and transparency in public service.
Mazibuko revealed that the lifestyle audit identified Malotana as high-risk, leading to a request for a comprehensive forensic investigation into his lifestyle. “Hence, Mr Malotana is now placed on precautionary suspension until the SIU completes its forensic investigation,” she stated, highlighting the seriousness of the findings.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been vocal about the need for accountability, especially given the backdrop of previous corruption allegations in the health department, including the controversial R2 billion siphoned off from Tembisa Hospital. Jack Bloom, the DA’s spokesperson on health, emphasized the importance of transparency in the investigation process. He remarked, “We can only imagine the disaster inflicted on the health department by a man whose lifestyle is assessed as high-risk.”
Bloom raised pressing questions regarding Malotana’s financial dealings, asking, “What payoffs has he received in his long career in the department?” He also insisted that the disciplinary charges he faces should be made public, urging that the process be expedited so Malotana does not receive a substantial salary while suspended.
The SIU, which is tasked with investigating corruption and misconduct in South Africa, has chosen not to comment on the specifics of the lifestyle audits conducted for various departments. However, its findings regarding Malotana have triggered a wave of concern among lawmakers and the public alike.
Mazibuko confirmed that Malotana’s performance would also be evaluated amid the investigation, stating that “there are internal processes to assess the performance of all public servants.” This acknowledgment adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and integrity of leadership within the Gauteng health sector.
As the investigation unfolds, the Gauteng health department faces significant challenges. The call for transparency from the DA and others reflects a broader demand for responsible governance, particularly in a sector that has experienced ongoing issues of corruption and mismanagement. The public will be closely monitoring the situation to see how the provincial government addresses these serious allegations and whether it can restore trust in its health services.
