SIU welcomes action taken against Tembisa Hospital officials

Summary:

On August 10, 2023, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomed the disciplinary action taken by the Gauteng Department of Health against six officials at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, as recommended in the SIU’s report. The report, handed over to the Premier of Gauteng in December 2022, investigated allegations of corruption, fraud, and maladministration in the hospital’s supply chain management processes.

The SIU, which entered into a secondment agreement with the Gauteng Provincial Government to conduct the investigation, found that a Deputy Director for Supply Chain has retired, a Chief Physiotherapist has resigned, and a sessional Medical Officer has ceased working at the facility. The disciplinary action is a result of the SIU’s findings and recommendations, which identified systematic failures and made recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.

The SIU’s report also highlighted the importance of pursuing officials who resign in the face of an investigation or disciplinary action by freezing their pension benefits and instituting civil litigation to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions. The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

Furthermore, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The SIU’s investigation and findings aim to promote transparency and accountability within the public sector, combat corruption, and prevent future losses to the state.

Key Findings and Recommendations:

The SIU’s report identified corruption, fraud, and maladministration in Tembisa Hospital’s supply chain management processes.
The SIU recommended disciplinary action against hospital officials, leading to the suspension of six officials, with one retiring, one resigning, and one ceasing work at the facility.
The SIU identified systematic failures and made recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.
The SIU will pursue officials who resign in the face of an investigation or disciplinary action by freezing their pension benefits and instituting civil litigation to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions.
The SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Implications and Outcomes:

The disciplinary action taken against hospital officials aims to hold accountable those responsible for corruption, fraud, and maladministration.
The SIU’s findings and recommendations aim to promote transparency and accountability within the public sector.
The SIU’s investigation and findings aim to combat corruption and prevent future losses to the state.

Relevance and Significance:

The SIU’s investigation and findings highlight the importance of integrity and transparency in public sector institutions.
The disciplinary action taken against hospital officials demonstrates the consequences of corruption and maladministration.
* The SIU’s report serves as a reminder of the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective management of public resources.