The Gauteng Health Department has paid more than R3 million to four suspended Tembisa Hospital officials implicated in corrupt contracts, the same contracts whistleblower Babita Deokaran tried to stop before her assassination.
This revelation came to light in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to questions posed by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, in the provincial legislature.
Disciplinary Outcomes and Suspension Payouts
Of the nine officials implicated in the scandal, three were dismissed following disciplinary processes, three resigned before their hearings concluded, two retired, and one’s contract expired. The officials faced charges of gross misconduct, including failure to comply with supply chain policies and the fraudulent appointment of service providers.
The suspended officials received substantial payouts due to prolonged disciplinary delays. One official received R1.1 million after being suspended for 18 months, while two others were paid R800,000 each for 11 months of suspension. A fourth official received R300,000 for 10 months of suspension. The department cited the need to gather sufficient evidence as the reason for the delays.
Criminal Investigations Pending
Despite the findings of misconduct, no criminal charges have been filed yet, as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Hawks are still conducting their investigations.
Jack Bloom condemned the department’s slow response, stating: “It is disappointing that the department was so slow in disciplining officials and making huge payouts to them while suspended. Resignations should not be accepted when there are disciplinary charges—otherwise, wrongdoers escape consequences and get reappointed elsewhere.”
He raised concerns that some officials may have been allowed to resign to protect higher-ranking figures involved in the corruption:
“Were they let go because they could have implicated the real mastermind behind Tembisa Hospital’s corruption?”
The DA in Gauteng is pushing for criminal prosecutions, justice for Babita Deokaran, and more efficient disciplinary processes to prevent corrupt officials from evading accountability.
“Discipline should be speedy and efficient, with no escape routes for those evading accountability,” Bloom emphasized.
The case highlights ongoing failures in holding corrupt officials accountable while taxpayers bear the financial burden. The DA continues to demand transparency and urgent action in this scandal.
