Pretoria - In an effort to tighten financial controls and curb corruption, the Gauteng Health Department has launched an investigation into 27 employees suspected of having a conflict of interest with the department.
The department hopes to recover over R1 million from the 27 employees.
"The allegations include failure to disclose their business interests where they are directors of companies and these companies turn to benefit financially from department tenders awarded to them," said Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
The department has also suspended a senior emergency services official pending an investigation into allegations of fraud and misconduct relating to irregular procurement practices.
Mahlangu said the department has also launched an investigation into the Takalani Home for Mentally Disabled in Diepkloof, an NGO funded by the department which receives grants from the South African Social Security Agency.
Earlier this month, the department obtained a court interdict to force the board to step down and the Avril Elizabeth Home has currently been appointed as the interim administrator of the home until a forensic investigation by the department has been completed.
"The department is not going to hesitate to take stern measures against any employee who is found guilty of misusing funds that are meant to improve the lives of the citizens of Gauteng," warned Mahlangu.
