Gauteng Health HOD Lesiba Malotana flagged as 'high risk' after lifestyle audit

The Gauteng government has revealed that its Head of Department (HOD) for Health, Lesiba Malotana, was suspended for failing a lifestyle audit.

Malotana was placed on suspension last week by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, pending an investigation into him.

While there were reports that the suspension was linked to the R2 billion alleged looting at Tembisa Hospital, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed Malotana was not among the implicated officials in that specific matter.

Last year, the Gauteng government partnered with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), tasking it with conducting lifestyle audits into the province’s senior managers.

Responding to a question from the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the Gauteng Legislature on Tuesday, Acting Premier Faith Mazibuko said a report on the Health HOD was completed in August last year.

“Mr Malotana was asked by SIU to provide outstanding information to help determine the outcome of his lifestyle audit. He subsequently supplied this information and the SIU reviewed it, and submitted a final written report on Mr Malotana, and the SIU rated Mr Malotana as high risk and recommends a full forensic investigation into his lifestyle.”

The "high risk" classification suggests there is a discrepancy between Malotana’s declared income and his lifestyle.

DA Health Spokesperson Jack Bloom said criminal charges should be laid against Malotana if he is found to be involved in corruption.