The suspended head of the North West Health Department, Thabo Lekalakala, is set to face disciplinary proceedings according to recommendations in a report that looked into the procurement of the medical mobile unit, Mediosa.
Lekalakala, along with other implicated officials, faces a disciplinary following the conclusion of a forensic investigation instituted by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo into the Mediosa contract by the Department of Health.
“The forensic report, which has found some irregularities, was … handed over to the MEC for Health Dr Magome Masike for implementation of the recommendations.
“The report recommends disciplinary proceedings against the Head of Department and other implicated officials,” read a statement issued by the office of the Premier on Monday afternoon.
Despite signing for Lekalakala to undertake a trip to India shortly after the procurement of the ambulances, Premier Mahumapelo called for a probe into the contract.
Premier Mahumapelo’s office confirmed in February that he signed permission for the trip in principle after an MEC’s recommendation. In this case, MEC Masike had recommended that the Premier grant permission.
In March, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi called for the Mediosa contract to be scrapped, saying it is a service that is not needed in South Africa.
Minister Motsoaledi said the mobile clinic was an ATM for the Gupta family, who are said to have had a hand in the procurement of the mobile clinic.
While affected officials are yet to be informed, the provincial government has referred all matters relating to the report to the MEC.
“In view of the fact that the affected officials have not been informed of the outcomes yet, accordingly all matters relating to the report should be referred to the MEC for Health through the Head of Communication in the Department of Health,” said the Premier’s office. – SAnews.gov.za
