Johannesburg: The Gauteng Provincial Government is set to request a comprehensive investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into several hospitals across the province. This decision comes in the wake of a recent report that unveiled extensive corruption at Tembisa Hospital, located in Ekurhuleni.
According to South African Government News Agency, the SIU’s interim report revealed the presence of three coordinated syndicates responsible for misappropriating over R2 billion intended for healthcare. This revelation has prompted Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to advocate for a broader investigation encompassing other provincial hospitals with unexplained increases in procurement expenses in recent years.
Premier Lesufi emphasized the need for swift action, stating that the report underscores the necessity of expanding the investigation to other hospitals potentially employing similar tactics. The report highlighted that the corruption was facilitated predominantly by low-level employees but stressed the importance of addressing corruption at all levels within the government.
Lesufi reiterated the commitment to holding accountable those in managerial and leadership positions within affected institutions. He also paid tribute to whistleblower Babita Deokaran, whose murder followed her role in exposing the corruption at Tembisa Hospital. Lesufi described the release of the report as an important step in honoring Deokaran’s legacy and vowed to ensure her death was not in vain.
The Premier affirmed his dedication to achieving accountability and underscored the SIU’s confirmation of Deokaran’s heroism. He pledged to transform the public service into a space free from corruption, honoring Deokaran’s courage and integrity.