Gauteng premier David Makhura has placed the head of the provincial department of health under precautionary suspension with immediate effect. Business Day reports that the precautionary suspension of Professor Mkhululi Lukhele follows recommendations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in a report presented to Makhura on 22 September.
“The SIU found the head of department failed to exercise his responsibility in the awarding of contracts to certain companies for the procurement of goods and services in relation to the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions, or omission, may have resulted in the department incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” said Makhura.
Lukhele was expected to remain under precautionary suspension pending the completion of investigations by the SIU and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct.
The DA had earlier called for Lukhele’s suspension. DA MP Jack Bloom called for the SIU reports to be made public and criminal charges instituted against all those implicated in corruption.
[link url="https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2020-09-30-gauteng-premier-suspends-senior-health-official/"]Full Business Day report[/link]