Thokozani Mhlongo, head of the Limpopo Health Department, resigned last weekend while she and other officials were being investigated by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for alleged corruption of more than R125m relating to a personal protective equipment (PPE) tender.
The Citizen reports that on hearing the news about the Mhlongo’s resignation, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) said: “Good riddance,” adding that under Mhlongo’s rule, the province’s health system had deteriorated.
“There are nurse shortages in clinics and hospitals, non-absorption of post-community service nurses, non-intake of new nursing students by Limpopo nursing college, acute shortage of ambulances and failure by clinics to provide 24-hour service due to shortages of nurses,” said the organisation.
“We are also disappointed she resigned … when the public was looking forward to Premier (Stan) Mathabatha implementing recommendations by SIU and the prosecutor on corruption and maladministration against her and other exco-members,” said Denosa provincial chair Lesiba Monyaki.
A company which was not on the database of suppliers for the department, had been given a contract of more than R160m to supply 900,000 litres of hand-sanitisers, including the installation, maintenance and repair of 20,000 units of hand sanitiser dispensers. It had invoiced the department 33 times with nine payments, totalling R160m.
The Citizen article – Questions as Limpopo health boss resigns while facing probe (Open access)
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Public Protector clears Limpopo Health of irregular PPE tender allegations
SIU to probe waste management corruption allegations at Limpopo Health
Limpopo Health chief and CFO charged over R125m PPE scandal
No action against Limpopo Health officials involved in dodgy tender