Arrested DG Still Not Suspended

Statement by Michele Clarke MP – DA Spokesperson on Health:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls, again, for Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi to immediately suspend his Director General who has been arrested for alleged corruption, fraud and theft.

It is absolutely unfathomable that a DG arrested for corruption and fraud is still running the Department today.

On another matter involving the DG and bribery, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) appears so keen to pursue the charges that they have requested further investigation and information from the Hawks, which shows that they asses there to be a case in the making.

The Health DG, Dr. Sandile Buthelezi is alleged to have solicited a R500 000 bribe from a construction company, Base Major, which had secured a R566 million contract through an allegedly irregular process.

Given the seriousness of these allegations, there simply must be an immediate precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the legal process.

Instead, Minister Motsoaledi has allowed this situation to unfold without clear action, raising serious concerns about accountability at the department’s highest levels. The Minister and President Cyril Ramaphosa cannot afford to sit on their hands while allegations of corruption engulf the leadership of the national health system.

There can be no argument for the National Health Insurance scheme, in a Department under such scandal.

The consequences of corruption in the health sector are severe and pervasive. Every cent stolen is a doctor or nurse post left unfilled, a hospital or clinic left to deteriorate, critical medical equipment left broken, life-saving medicines not procured, or a hospital bed not purchased, forcing patients to sleep on the floor.

Minister Motsoaledi has only one chance to get this right.