The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has demanded its former president, Simon Nemutandani, repay more than R6.1m it says he allegedly siphoned off through alleged irregular payments, unauthorised expenses and unreturned assets, reports The Citizen.
In the letter of demand, dated 18 February, attorneys Malatji and Company, acting on behalf of the council, have demanded payment of R6 105 600.12 within 14 business days of receipt of the letter, failing which legal proceedings will be instituted.
Forensic probe
The demand follows a forensic investigation by SM Xulu Advisory Services in February 2022 into allegations of financial impropriety during Nemutandani’s tenure as president and council member.
The probe uncovered that Nemutandani was simultaneously employed by the Gauteng Department of Health as Head of the School of Oral Health Sciences and CEO of Wits Oral Health at the time of his appointment to the HPCSA in December 2020.
Employees of national, provincial or local government are not entitled to additional remuneration for serving on statutory bodies, which is spelled out in their appointment letters, but the HPCSA accuses Nemutandani, a dentist, of claiming and pocketing R910 550 in professional and meeting fees, as well as R12 970.46 in disbursements.
The letter further claims Nemutandani failed to disclose his state employment and other income during the council’s financial interest declaration process and did not co-operate with an internal investigation.
Millions in expenses and unreturned assets
In addition to the alleged irregular fees, the HPCSA says R6 082 794 was incurred for expenses between April 2017 and March 2024, which included travel, accommodation, conference fees, vehicle hire, fuel, workshops, stakeholder engagements and international events linked to the Association of Medical Councils of Africa.
Additionally, it alleges that vehicles and electronic devices issued to him have not been returned – and that damage to two cars cost R22 805.
Nemutandani has not responded to request for comment.
The Citizen article – HPCSA demands R6.1m repayment from former head (Open access)
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