The Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital have been under scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and maladministration. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted powers to conduct an investigation into these allegations, following the gazetting of Proclamation 136 of 2023. The investigation will be extensive and aims to uncover any possible syndicate activity involving corruption and fraud.
SIU Secondment Investigation
An investigation was launched by the SIU at Tembisa Hospital after allegations of corruption were highlighted by the late Ms. Babita Deokaran. The secondment’s primary objective was to gather evidence connecting the allegations to senior officials. The findings of the investigation were alarming, and it was necessary to authorize a more extensive investigation into Tembisa Hospital’s affairs.
Proclamation 136 of 2023
Proclamation 136 of 2023 has granted the SIU sweeping powers to delve deeper into the allegations of corruption and maladministration at the Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Proclamation last month, which empowers the SIU to subpoena evidence, interrogate witnesses under oath, act against implicated officials, institute civil litigation, and make referrals to relevant prosecuting authorities and professional regulatory bodies.
SIU’s Mandate and Scope
The SIU’s mandate extends beyond merely investigating corruption, maladministration, and fraud. Its scope encompasses allegations of unlawful and improper conduct occurring between January 1, 2020, and September 1, 2023. Additionally, it will investigate any relevant events connected to or involving the same persons, entities, or contracts before January 1, 2020, or after the Proclamation’s publication date.
Pursuit of Justice
The SIU’s focus on rooting out corrupt practices serves as a beacon of hope for accountability and transparency in the South African healthcare system. With its expanded powers, the pursuit of justice for the transgressions committed is now more attainable than ever. The SIU will refer any discovered evidence indicating criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
