**SIU Halts Pension Payouts of Ex-Health Official Amid Investigation**

South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order to halt the payout of R2 million in pension benefits to a former health official accused of involvement in the irregular procurement of contracts related to Covid-19. The SIU’s investigation found that the official, Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo, failed to comply with procurement regulations and did not prevent irregular expenditure. The SIU’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector procurement, and highlight the potential for successful collaboration between state institutions and investigative bodies.

SIU’s Efforts to Recover Financial Losses

South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has successfully obtained a preservation order to stop the payout of around R2 million in pension benefits to former Assistant Director and Manager of Pharmaceutical Services at the Mpumalanga Department of Health, Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo. This action is part of an ongoing civil lawsuit against Moralo and several companies related to irregular procurement contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Moralo, who resigned amid the SIU’s disciplinary process, is accused of being involved in the dubious awarding of seven contracts, amounting to R19,495,102.50, for goods and services procured from various providers during the state of emergency. The SIU’s investigation found that Moralo failed to comply with regulations governing public sector procurement and did not take reasonable measures to prevent the department from incurring irregular expenditure.

The decision to freeze Moralo’s pension benefits is in line with the SIU’s commitment to recover financial losses due to corruption or negligence. The Mpumalanga health department is praised for its cooperation in the SIU’s disciplinary referral against Moralo, and other state institutions are urged to follow their example.

SIU’s Investigation Following Presidential Directive

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Proclamation R23 of 2020 directed the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments made by state institutions related to personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement and the conduct of state employees. Under the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU has the authority to initiate civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to rectify any wrongdoing discovered during investigations resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. Furthermore, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for additional action.

The ongoing civil lawsuit against Moralo involves several companies, including Silver Falls Scientific Solutions CC, Sifiso Siyafezeka CC, Nkabo Llater Technologies (Pty) Ltd, Tee Tee 15 Trading (Pty) Ltd, Uhuruwankha Primary Cooperative Ltd, Nkuzi Health Medical (Pty) Ltd, and Hlalu Lindzile Construction CC. These companies are implicated in the irregular procurement contracts that Moralo allegedly facilitated.

The preservation order secured by the SIU is a vital step towards achieving justice in this case and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector procurement processes. As the SIU continues to investigate Moralo’s actions and the involvement of the implicated companies, it remains committed to upholding integrity and pursuing consequences for those who exploit the system for personal gain.

The Importance of Oversight and Collaboration in Procurement

In the broader context of South Africa’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, this case emphasizes the need for stringent oversight and scrutiny in the procurement and distribution of essential goods and services. As the world confronts the ongoing health crisis, it is crucial to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and ethically to safeguard citizens and promote long-term resilience. The SIU’s relentless efforts to combat corruption and encourage accountability contribute to this overarching objective and demonstrate the importance of vigilance and dedication in the pursuit of justice.

The prompt actions taken by the SIU and the Mpumalanga health department in this case also underscore the potential for successful collaboration between state institutions and investigative bodies. By working together to address allegations of corruption and misconduct, these entities can set a powerful precedent for other organizations and sectors, fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.

As the investigation into Moralo’s actions and the implicated companies proceeds, it is essential that all relevant parties are held accountable for their actions. By pursuing disciplinary referrals and legal action against those who exploit the system, the SIU and other investigative bodies can send a compelling message that corruption and negligence will not be tolerated in the public sector.

1. Who is Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo?

Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo is a former Assistant Director and Manager of Pharmaceutical Services at the Mpumalanga Department of Health in South Africa who is accused of involvement in the irregular procurement of contracts related to Covid-19.

2. What is the Special Investigating Unit (SIU)?

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is a state entity in South Africa responsible for investigating allegations of corruption and misconduct in the public sector. They have the authority to initiate civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to rectify any wrongdoing discovered during investigations resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

3. What is the Presidential Directive?

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Proclamation R23 of 2020 directed the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments made by state institutions related to personal protective equipment (PPE) procurement and the conduct of state employees.

4. What is the civil lawsuit against Moralo and the implicated companies?

The civil lawsuit involves several companies, including Silver Falls Scientific Solutions CC, Sifiso Siyafezeka CC, Nkabo Llater Technologies (Pty) Ltd, Tee Tee 15 Trading (Pty) Ltd, Uhuruwankha Primary Cooperative Ltd, Nkuzi Health Medical (Pty) Ltd, and Hlalu Lindzile Construction CC. These companies are implicated in the irregular procurement contracts that Moralo allegedly facilitated.

5. Why did the SIU obtain a preservation order?

The SIU obtained a preservation order to halt the payout of R2 million in pension benefits to Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo, who is accused of involvement in the irregular procurement of contracts related to Covid-19. The decision to freeze Moralo’s pension benefits is in line with the SIU’s commitment to recover financial losses due to corruption or negligence.

6. What did the SIU’s investigation find?

The SIU’s investigation found that Moralo failed to comply with regulations governing public sector procurement and did not take reasonable measures to prevent the department from incurring irregular expenditure.

7. What is the importance of transparency and accountability in public sector procurement?

Transparency and accountability are crucial in public sector procurement processes to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and ethically to safeguard citizens and promote long-term resilience.

8. How can collaboration between state institutions and investigative bodies combat corruption?

By working together to address allegations of corruption and misconduct, state institutions and investigative bodies can set a powerful precedent for other organizations and sectors, fostering a culture of transparency and integrity.