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The province has been at the center of COVID-19 corruption allegations that saw the suspension of Lukhele, the Deputy Director General of Health, Andile Gwebani, and the MEC of Health, Bandile Masuku.
Professor Mkhululi Lukhele from the Gauteng Health Department at a press conference on May 23, 2020. Image: @ GautengHealth / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – The fate of several officials from the Gauteng Health Department hangs in the balance after the resignation of the Health HOD, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele.
The province has been at the center of COVID-19 corruption allegations that saw the suspension of Lukhele, the deputy director general of Health, Andile Gwebani, and the MEC of Health, Bandile Masuku.
Prime Minister David Makhura has vowed to take action against corrupt officials involved in unreliable takeover deals, including those who allowed it to happen.
Makhura has accepted Lukhele’s resignation.
Lukhele was suspended following an investigation by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) into alleged corruption in the awarding of tenders for the purchase of personal protective equipment.
The prime minister’s spokesman, Vuyo Maga: “The precautionary suspension was for him not fulfilling his duties as an accountant, not necessarily because of being involved in corruption. We will continue to allow the SIU to do its job but if there is a case that should be opened, We will pursue it. Either you are in government or out of it. “
On the fate of Health MEC Bandile Masuku, whose special license has been extended, Maga said the prime minister was awaiting the final report from the SIU.
Meanwhile, the Right2Know Campaign has called for the arrest of corrupt officials, saying the looting of COVID-19 funds for personal gain had left thousands of residents and healthcare workers vulnerable.
R2K said politicians and connected tender entrepreneurs became millionaires overnight at the expense of ordinary South Africans and healthcare workers, many of whom became infected or died from COVID-19 due to the absence of the necessary protection.
Spokesman Dale McKinley said that while they welcomed Lukhele’s resignation, the now-former HOD should also have his day in court.
“One of the things that often happens is that people resign and leave before they can be held accountable and that is very worrying. Therefore, we urge not only the prime minister and the ANC as the ruling party to do what to preach and say that if people have been charged and there is evidence of their criminal activity, not only should those people be suspended and not only allowed to resign but they should be prosecuted with criminal charges. “
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