Ramaphosa’s nephew implicated in massive Tembisa Hospital corruption – DA

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala

Johannesburg – The DA in Gauteng has welcomed the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) interim report on corruption at Tembisa Hospital but says urgent action is needed to ensure accountability.

The report, released on Monday, found that more than R2 billion was siphoned off through fraudulent supply contracts involving three major syndicates and six smaller networks.

Among the implicated is businessman Hangwani Morgan Maumela, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew by a previous marriage, who secured contracts worth R816 million.

“It is gratifying that the Asset Forfeiture Unit has identified assets worth R520 million belonging to Mr Maumela, and secured some of them, including six properties and six luxury vehicles, including four Lamborghinis,” said Dr Jack Bloom, the DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.

The SIU also linked three companies that received contracts totalling R13.5 million to Vusimusa “Cat” Matlala, who is currently facing trial for allegedly orchestrating a hit on his ex-girlfriend. Matlala has also been named in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged SAPS corruption.

Bloom stressed that the Gauteng Health Department must act on the 116 disciplinary referrals made by the SIU, which implicate 13 officials.

“They should not be allowed to resign before completion of the disciplinary process, as happened with former Chief Financial Officer Lerato Madyo, who was suspended with pay for two years before resigning,” he said.

According to the SIU, corrupt payments to officials totalled R122 million. Bloom said officials must be compelled to pay the money back.

“They should be made liable to pay this money back, including attachment of their pension money,” he said.

The DA also raised concern that implicated companies have not been blacklisted.

“We are disappointed that implicated companies have not yet been blacklisted, and some of them may still be benefiting from government contracts,” Bloom said.

The opposition party reiterated its call for Premier Panyaza Lesufi to dismiss Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Head of Department Lesiba Malotana.

“They need to be held accountable for continuing irregular spending and service delivery failures,” Bloom said.

He added that the scandal underscored the need for new leadership in the province’s health department.

“The Gauteng Health Department needs new leadership to root out all corruption and provide decent healthcare. Babita Deokaran gave her life to expose this devastating corruption. In honour of her and all other whistleblowers, it is now time for action to be taken against the perpetrators.”

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