Gauteng PPE graft: Former CFO wants Makhura, others held liable

Former Gauteng health department chief financial officer Kabelo Lehloenya has brought a third party notice, seeking to have Premier David Makhura and other department officials, be held liable in the awarding of personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts.

The matter was heard before the Special Tribunal on Thursday, 19 August 2021 and judgement has been reserved.

Lehloenya, revealed in an affidavit that she would often be instructed to award PPE contracts to certain people, and implicated Makhura and former Gauteng Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku’s offices. In December, the tribunal found there were merits to her claims.

Makhura to challenge new bid in PPE matter

Premier David Makhura’s office has confirmed it is opposing Lehloenya’s third party notice and have labelled her bid as just another tactic.

“Premier Makhura and the Provincial Government have opposed the third party application on the grounds that it has no basis in law and is not supported by any material facts. It is our contention that this application is unfounded in terms of the law and it is yet another diversionary tactic,” his spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said.

“Both Premier Makhura and the Gauteng Provincial Government will not be deterred from working with the SIU and other state agencies to tackle corruption and ensure that all public funds lost through unlawful procurement practices and irregular contracts are recovered”

Gauteng Premier spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga

Mhaga said the Gauteng provincial government has suffered serious reputational damage as a result of irregular and unlawful activities.

“The Premier and the Provincial Government are looking forward to completion of all cases being investigated by the SIU so that all monies are recovered and the perpetrators of the shameful acts of PPE corruption are brought face the full might of the law,” he added.

In addition to the premier, Lehloenya also wants these officials held liable: Gauteng health department’s chief operating officer, Arnold Malotana, chief director, Thandiwe Lorraine Pino, and head of department, Mkhululi Lukhele. She also wants PPE supplier Ledla Structural Development included in the suit.