DA Limpopo calls Premier Mathabatha into action amid tender irregularities allegations

LIMPOPO – The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo has this week called on Premier Chupu Mathabatha into action and request the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate all the province’s Health Department’s tenders awarded since the commencement of the national state off disaster.

The DA demanded Premier Mathabatha to also place Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, on leave while investigations were conducted.

The opposition’s call comes after numerous claims and reports of flouted procurement processes, the alleged use of suppliers not on the provincial database, undue influence and interference by the MEC as well as senior management and brazen corrupt activities around PPE contracts in the Limpopo.

Risham Maharaj, DA Limpopo Spokesperson for Health, said the SIU, which has been given powers to investigate COVID-19 procurement irregularities in state institutions, ought to be used to look into all the contracts awarded thus far in the Limpopo Health Department during the lockdown period to ensure there had been no plundering of resources or wrongdoing in the awarding of the contracts.

Maharaj said they have repeatedly called for the Limpopo Provincial Treasury to scrutinize all contracts awarded, especially in the health department.

“Premier Mathabatha has been inconspicuous and has shielded away from any action to address the allegations of corruption, interference and undue influence by MEC Ramathuba and senior management in Limpopo Department of Health.

He must take decisive steps to ensure that COVID-19 funds are used properly in the province and approach the SIU to assist in investigating these claims. All those who irregularly had their hands in the cookie jar should be brought to book,” concluded Maharaj.

Attempts to get comment from Limpopo Department Health were not successful at the time of going to press.