The provincial Health Department head, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, has been placed on immediate precautionary suspension by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, for allegedly not taking responsibility in the COVID-19 related procurement.
The is after a recommendation was made by the Special Investigating Unit, in a report dated 22 September 2020.
“The Special Investigating Unit found that the Head of Department failed to exercise his responsibility in the awarding of contracts to certain companies for the procurement of goods and services, in relation to government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the Premier’s Office in a statement on Wednesday.
“The actions or omission by the HoD may have resulted in the department incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” said the Premier’s Office.
Lukhele will be on precautionary suspension until the investigations by the SIU and disciplinary proceedings for misconduct are completed.
