Gauteng Acting health MEC, Mr Jacob Mamabolo, has complemented the department for improved internal control systems on Tuesday, 22 of September 2020.
The MEC declared that the dept was able to intercept an attempted breach of supply chain management (SCM) processes which was based on a recent process to secure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Mr Mamabolo said they are pleased that the early detection of the attempted non-compliance of SCM processes has not had any material effect on the Department. “The process of procuring additional PPE stock had to be restarted and it is now on track,” said Mr Mamabolo.
He said it is important to note that the checks and balances being introduced in the dept are beginning to yield results.
“This is a clear demonstration of the robustness of the internal control measures we have put in place. The Department’s procurement processes now subjected to vetting and risk assessment by the Risk Management Unit,” he added.
This resulted in the immediate precautionary suspension of the acting Supply Chain Management head last Friday.
According to Mr Mamabolo, the allegations against the official in question are that he failed to follow proper processes in the procurement of PPE.
“The official is also alleged to have conducted an act of dishonesty in discharging duties thus bringing the Department into disrepute, the matter is now subject to an internal investigation,” he said.
Furthermore, while PPE remains an absolute essential in the protection of frontline workers and in the battle against Covid-19, the processes still have to be followed when it comes to procurement.
