Calls for DG suspension after R1m fraud case, arrests of officials

‘GOVERNANCE CRISIS’

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

THE arrest of National Department of Health (NDoH) Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi and two senior officials has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties, who say the developments expose deep-rooted corruption and threaten public confidence in South Africa's health system.

Dr Buthelezi, Deputy Director-General Dr Malixole Mahlathi, and Chief Financial Officer Mr Phineas Phaswa Mamogale were arrested by the Hawks in connection with allegations of more than R1 million in unauthorised expenditure during the 2023-2024 financial year. All three appeared in court and were released on bail of R10 000 each. The case has been postponed to June 3.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) said the arrests confirm what it has long described as a “corruption and governance crisis” within the NDoH and provincial health departments.

“These arrests, while overdue, are only the tip of the iceberg,” the party said in a statement, adding that the alleged mismanagement represents a direct violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and a serious breach of public trust.