Section27 denounces senior health officials accused of embezzling R1m

The National Department of Health’s director-general, Sandile Buthelezi, and two senior officials have appeared in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud and theft.

They are accused of embezzling R1 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The co-accused are Chief Financial Officer Phineas Mamogale and Acting Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services Malixole Mahlathi.

The matter relates to alleged unlawful payments from the Global Fund.

Alleged unlawful appointments

The state alleges the three officials were involved in the unlawful appointment of service providers to conduct an investigation and chair a disciplinary hearing against an employee.

It is further alleged that payments were ordered from the Global Fund when they could not legally be made from that fund.

Buthelezi is also charged with contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) for allegedly unlawfully appointing service providers.

The accused have not been found guilty.

Civil society reaction

SECTION27’s health attorney, Asiphe Funda, described the case as “very disturbing and quite disappointing”.

“It leads to more public distrust in government,” Funda said.

She said corruption in healthcare has a direct impact on vulnerable South Africans.

“The impact of corruption is quite dire, particularly when it impacts South Africans at their most vulnerable,” she said, adding that it can result in patients not receiving necessary medication or medical attention.

Call for accountability

Funda said the state should be acknowledged for identifying the alleged illegal transaction and making arrests.

She pointed to safeguards in procurement processes and the PFMA as key mechanisms to monitor public funds.

However, she stressed that consequences must follow.

“It must not stop at asset recovery. It must not stop at disciplinary processes,” she said.

She also called on the National Prosecuting Authority to act decisively and ensure the law takes its full course.

The three accused are expected to return to court in June.

For more information, listen to Funda using the audio player below: