Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the province’s Head of the Department of Health, Lesiba Malotana, has been suspended after failing a lifestyle audit. The precautionary suspension was implemented last week, pending a full investigation into the matter.
While early reports linked Malotana’s suspension to the alleged R2 billion corruption scandal at Tembisa Hospital, Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko clarified that he is not one of the officials implicated in that case.
Lifestyle Audits on Senior Officials
The suspension stems from a broader lifestyle audit initiative launched by the Gauteng government in partnership with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). The audits target senior provincial managers, including heads of departments and entity CEOs, to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.
The matter came to light during a sitting of the Gauteng Legislature when Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Legislature, Dr Jack Bloom, questioned when Malotana’s audit began and concluded, what risk category he fell under, and whether the premier had confidence in his leadership given the department’s history of financial mismanagement.
Bloom also raised concerns about the Department of Health’s R1.5 billion in irregular expenditure and the Auditor-General’s findings of widespread non-compliance due to weak internal controls.
SIU Report Flags Malotana as High Risk
Responding to Bloom’s questions, acting Premier Faith Mazibuko revealed that the SIU’s audit report on Malotana was finalised and submitted to the Premier’s Office on 24 August 2024. She explained that the project initially ran from May to October 2023 but was extended to allow the SIU to complete its processes.
Mazibuko confirmed that Malotana was asked to provide additional information to assist the SIU in finalising its assessment. After reviewing the details, the SIU categorised him as a “high-risk” official and recommended a full forensic investigation into his financial affairs.
Forensic Investigation Underway
Mazibuko said Premier Lesufi had taken note of the SIU’s findings and instructed the unit to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation into Malotana’s lifestyle.
“Mr Malotana has now been placed on precautionary suspension until the SIU completes its investigation,” she said, adding that the premier will consider the forensic report before making any final decisions.
On the issue of performance, Mazibuko stated that Malotana had initially been appointed based on his competence but emphasised that internal processes exist to monitor and address performance gaps among senior officials.
She concluded that, given the ongoing investigation, the question of whether the premier still has full confidence in Malotana “is not applicable” at this stage.
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