DA criticises Gauteng govt for failing to discipline senior health official

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the Gauteng government for delays in taking disciplinary action against a senior health official, Lesiba Malotana, after he failed his lifestyle audit.

Following the failed audit, Malotana was suspended as the head of the Gauteng Department for Health last year.

However, he returned to work on Monday and was moved to a different portfolio.

Two other suspended heads of department also returned to work and moved to other departments.

Gauteng government spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said labour guidelines dictate that employees placed on precautionary suspension must be allowed return to work after 60 days, unless disciplinary action has already begun against them during that period.

“It is also important to add that the affected officials have not yet been found guilty, they are going to continue to work in different departments.”

DA’s Gauteng spokesperson on health - Jack Bloom – said he is relieved Malotana will be moved to a different department.

However, Bloom said this is yet another example of delayed disciplinary processes by the Gauteng government, which can sometimes last for years.

He said the DA will push for a speedy resolution.

“I am relieved that Mr Lesiba Malotana is not returning to the Gauteng Health Department (GHD) but his precautionary transfer to a senior position at another department raises the issue as to why he has not yet been formally charged. This follows a disturbing trend of delayed disciplinary proceedings which can last years.

“The DA will push for speedy discipline against Malotana based on his failed lifestyle audit. It should not be allowed to drag on as it blocks the appointment of a competent and uncompromised Head of Department to fix our public health service,” said Bloom.