MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

SIU Investigation Into EC Department of Health Welcomed

By

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape welcomes the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorise the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate corrupt activities within the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDoH).

This investigation is an essential step towards addressing allegations of maladministration, unlawful expenditure, and misconduct within the department. However, the DA is concerned that the scope of the investigation is too narrow, potentially leaving significant areas of corruption unaddressed.

The Proclamation only covers tenders and contracts within the department from August 2022 onwards, and while it includes prior matters relevant to these investigations, the exclusion of earlier years could allow critical issues, including long-standing financial mismanagement, to escape scrutiny. The ECDoH has been crippled for years by severe financial mismanagement, largely driven by the burden of medico-legal claims arising from gross negligence, especially in cerebral palsy cases. These issues, which have resulted in R7.3 billion in unpaid creditors in the last financial year alone, began well before 2022.

The DA has consistently called for a broader, more effective investigation. The department’s failures are deeply rooted, with systemic corruption, poor procurement practices, and a complete lack of financial controls dating back several years. By limiting the SIU’s investigation to a narrow window of time, the Proclamation may miss critical evidence of the department’s longer-term mismanagement, corruption, and wasteful expenditure.

The DA remains steadfast in its call for the ECDoH to be placed under administration, as outlined in Section 100 of the Constitution. Placing the department under administration would allow for comprehensive oversight and accountability measures to be introduced, ensuring that financial mismanagement is addressed, and lives are saved.

The Premier’s claim that administration “does not work” is baseless—with the right political will and independent oversight, administration can restore accountability and rebuild the ECDoH.

While we support the SIU’s work, the DA urges the Presidency to broaden the terms of reference to include earlier financial years and extend its focus beyond isolated tenders. Corruption and maladministration in this department have cost lives, and a limited investigation risks shielding key actors from being held accountable.

The DA will continue fighting for a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Only by rooting out all forms of corruption, past and present, can we ensure that the people of the Eastern Cape receive the healthcare services they deserve.

Regards

Jane Cowley MPL
DA Shadow MEC for Health

The following two tabs change content below.

Port Elizabethan

This author is a 'catch-all' for occasional articles and letters written to MyPE. The Author of each article can be found in the signature at the bottom of each individual article.