The Eastern Cape Health department is to institute a disciplinary action against 25 of its junior and senior officials responsible for an irregular expenditure of R24 million recorded during the 2008/09 financial year.
The expenditure is largely due to failure by health institutions to follow procurement procedures when acquiring services from private companies. Of the R24 million only R486 000 has been condoned in accordance with National Treasury practice.
Managers have now been instructed to invoke Section 38 (1) of the Public Finance Management Act before the 31 December 2009. This section provides for disciplinary action against civil servants guilty of financial mismanagement.
The department has also noted the recent findings of the Auditor-General on more cases of irregular expenditure. The department is determined to stamp out all forms of maladministration and will act decisively against those responsible.
Earlier this year the department suspended four senior managers following allegations of nepotism, financial mismanagement and abuse of state resources. They are facing disciplinary charges. The department will not tolerate incompetence or maladministration and whoever is responsible will be dealt with.
Issued by: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 October 2009
Source: Department of Health, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecdoh.gov.za)
