Johannesburg - Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has dismissed claims that she was purging senior officials in her department and replacing them with “cronies”.
Mahlangu was responding in the legislature on Tuesday to the DA, which wanted to know the reasons for former Health Department head Dr Hugh Gosnell’s resignation in September last year.
DA health spokesman Jack Bloom also wanted know how much was paid to Gosnell since the announcement of his resignation.
Bloom also wanted to know about the other vacant posts, which included that of former chief financial officer (CFO) Ndoda Biyela, who left under a cloud in August last year.
But Mahlangu vehemently denied claims of purging staff and said some of the officials, such as Biyela, left after investigations of misconduct were
set in motion against them.
She said: “I had a frank discussion with Dr Gosnell. We met and we agreed that we must separate amicably. There was no bad blood between us. His resignation was resolved through the redetermination of his contract.”
Mahlangu said her department had made a R69 000 payout to Gosnell that was owed on his leave.
The MEC gave an impression that things were stable in her office, saying the position of CFO was already filled and plans were under way to replace the chief director, risk management, following the expulsion of Abbey Marokoane early this year.
Marokoane was charged with several acts of misconduct relating to the irregular appointments of security companies at health institutions.
Mahlangu was insistent that she acted in good faith in all matters related to her department.
But her explanation did not satisfy Bloom. “I am disappointed that, six months after the departure of Gauteng Health Department head Dr Hugh Gosnell in September last year, we still do not have an answer why he left.
“Dr Gosnell left after only one year in office, which is very unusual - especially after the praise heaped on him when he was appointed. I am also concerned that it took so long to advertise for a new head of department, which only took place in the press this past weekend,” Bloom said.
He said the Health Department desperately needed a permanent head with the expertise to fix up the many problems that lead to poor service in Gauteng hospitals and clinics.
“According to Mahlangu, Gosnell was paid R69 000 for outstanding leave, and the rest according to contractual obligation, which I estimate at more than R2 million for the remainder of his three-year contract. I hope the new head is appointed as soon as possible and is able to restore confidence in the running of this department,” Bloom said.
Mahlangu said she was unaware where Bloom had sourced the R2m figure from.
The Star