The Gauteng Department of Health and Social has noted media reports suggesting that its outstanding debt to suppliers and small medium and micro enterprise (SMMEs) could be as much as R2.2 billion.
The department would like to point out the reports are based on outdated information and an inaccurate interpretation of the figures.
More than R1.4 billion of the so-called outstanding debt relate to goods and service which have not been delivered. Also included in the “debt” reported about, are orders for which invoices have not been supplied. In some instances there is no proof that goods or services were received.
It is therefore inaccurate and misleading to state that suppliers had claimed R3 billion when invoices had not been submitted and goods or services have not been received.
The MEC Qedani Mahlangu would like to urge the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on health Jack Bloom to check his facts before issuing misleading statements to the public.
The department is committed to Operation Bhadala and has been processing payments to suppliers on a weekly basis. Our records show that the department processed payments amounting to R187 million in the week ending 23 October 2009. The outstanding balance at the beginning of this week was R315 million.
The MEC would like to assure service providers that the department is committed to pay all outstanding amounts. She also reiterated that the department will work together with service providers to resolve outstanding legal disputes.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082551 9892.
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
29 October 2009
