Unions demand action at Tembisa hospital

Calls for accountability grow as corruption scandal unfolds in Gauteng’s public health system

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE [e-mail]

THREE trade unions that represent medical workers and nurses have called for tougher action against the syndicates and Gauteng Department of Health officials fingered in the alleged manipulation and exploitation of lower-level workers in the massive corruption that took place at Tembisa Hospital.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSASA), and the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) called for those who were responsible for the looting to be prosecuted and for the state to seize assets so that funds could be returned to the government purse.

The unions were responding to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) interim report on corruption at the hospital, which revealed that R2 billion was stolen through the manipulation of procurement processes.

Last week, SIU head Andy Mothibi said that at least 13 current and former Gauteng Department of Health and Tembisa Hospital employees, ranging from entry-level clerks to managers, were involved in receiving more than R122 million in corrupt payments.

Speaking during a picket outside Tembisa Hospital yesterday, Phillip Vilakazi, who joined Cosatu’s members as part of the union's International Day for Decent Work, said union members should always conduct themselves ethically to avoid being linked to corruption.