File
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane has sacked his Health MEC, Sindisa Gomba, who faces numerous charges that include fraud and money laundering.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, Mabuyane said the decision was taken in light of the fact that the National Prosecuting Authority had re-enrolled criminal charges against her.
Gomba is one of 14 accused persons and companies, charged in connection with the Mandela funeral scandal.
Mabuyane has appointed Cogta MEC, Xolile Ngqatha, as the acting Health MEC.
"The decision to relieve Ms Gomba of her duties as the Member of the Executive Council will allow her time and space to attend to the case against her. This decision is in the best interest of the MEC and the provincial government," the Premier said.
Meanwhile, Mabuyane said that former Health SG, Dr Thobile Mbengashe, would be facing disciplinary action in relation to a tender to procure motorised scooters.
The Premier said that the Special Investigating Unit, which probed this and other tenders, said the SIU report noted "serious findings of misconduct" against both Gomba and Mbengashe.
He said he had engaged both parties on the SIU findings and invited them to submit representations on why "an action should not be taken against them."
"The SIU report confirms that there was an award made by the Department to the company but there was no public money spent on the procurement of motorbikes," Mabuyane said.
He said the SIU report also covered other allegations related to the procurement of goods and services by the OR Tambo District Municipality, Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
"With regards to the findings against the two Municipalities, we expect the mayors of these municipalities to take action against individuals found to have breached procurement policies and laws," the Premier said.
