Motsoaledi places three senior officials on precautionary suspension
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has placed three senior officials on precautionary suspension, pending the finalisation of their cases or the expiry of their contracts.
Dr Sandile Buthelezi, the Director General of the Department, has been suspended until his cases are resolved or his contract ends, whichever comes first.
Dr Percy Mahlati, Deputy Director General for Hospital Services, Tertiary Health Services, and Human Resource Development, has also been suspended under the same conditions.
The Chief Financial Officer, Mr Phaswa Mamogale, has been placed on precautionary suspension until the conclusion of his cases.
“All officials affected by the decision have been formally notified of their suspensions,” Motsoaledi said, adding that the Department of Health will continue to operate according to its mandate during this period.
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In the interim, the minister has appointed Prof Nicolas Crisp, the Deputy Director General for National Health Insurance, as acting Director General for a period of three months.
Motsoaledi received delegations from the president before deciding to suspend the three officials.
Buthelezi, Mahlathi Mamogale briefly appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last week after an investigation that began in April 2024.
The three were each granted R10 000 bail and their case postponed to 3 June. They are facing charges of fraud and corruption related to a R1 million tender that was unduly awarded to a service provider in 2023.
