Sibongakonke Shoba
9 October 2009
Johannesburg — GAUTENG health MEC Qedani Mahlangu says charges will be brought against officials implicated in misappropriation of more than R1bn from the department.
A forensic investigation is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Mahlangu said yesterday the department's outgoing head, Sybil Ngcobo, was responsible for its day-to-day running, and she and former chief financial officer Fanuel Messo should take full responsibility for financial "matters".
Officials found committing misdemeanours in the past simply resigned, but after much criticism of corruption in its ranks the government is promising tougher action, including charges.
The auditor-general uncovered unauthorised spending of more than R1bn, and could not obtain sufficient appropriate audited evidence for spending of R971m, according to a report released this week.
Gauteng's agriculture department was first to set an example when it laid criminal complaints against former chief financial officer Mamoroosi Ncaca for allegedly making double payments for a luxury Mercedes-Benz car for former MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
At the time Premier Nomvula Mokonyane vowed to bring charges against officials suspected of corruption. Mahlangu said it was clear that after the investigation individuals implicated would be charged.
"It is very clear that ... even if people are no longer in the employ of the department, the report will be handed over to police."
Ngcobo resigned from the department last month. Messo's dismissal was announced in August after Mahlangu was not satisfied with his performance.
Mahlangu said the findings of the forensic investigation by Gobodo Chartered Accountants would be made public before being handed to police.
She said a preliminary report would be ready by the end of next week.
"A lot of people have come forward."
The department earned a disclaimer by the auditor-general, the second in two successive financial years. After its first disclaimer, a plan to address some issues was developed by 3P Consulting, but department staff refused to implement it.
The plan "can't be developed by consultants. It needs internal individuals," she said.
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