Motsoaledi suspends health DG over irregular awarding of R1m tender

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has placed the Director-General of the department, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, on precautionary suspension.

The suspension will remain in place until his cases are finalised or until his contract comes to an end.

Earlier this month, Buthelezi and two other officials were arrested and charged with fraud and theft for allegedly embezzling money allocated to the country by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS.

They face two counts of theft and fraud totalling more than R1 million linked to the irregular appointment of companies to chair a disciplinary hearing.

The service providers were paid with funds from the Global Fund, intended to support training and outbreak response.

The minister has also placed Deputy Director for Hospital Services Percy Mahlati and the Chief Financial Officer Phaswa Mamogale on precautionary suspension.

"All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions. In the meantime, the Minister has appointed the Deputy Director General for National Health Insurance, Prof Nicholas Crisp as acting Director General for a period of three months," said Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale.