PSA urges suspension of IDT officials over oxygen plant tender
The PSA said it was outraged by revelations of alleged fraud and gross mismanagement in the R836m pressure swing adsorption oxygen plant project, overseen by the IDT.
Public works and infrastructure minister Dean Macpherson released the findings of an independent forensic investigation on Tuesday. The investigation report recommended disciplinary action against IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka, GM for supply chain management Molebedi Sisi and other officials.
The union said the project that aimed to install oxygen plants at 60 hospitals nationwide was seen as an opportunity for self-enrichment by greedy employees and service providers.
'What began as a R216m initiative to install life-saving oxygen plants at South Africa's public hospitals has inexplicably ballooned to R836m. This staggering escalation, reportedly owing to irregular procurement processes and cost overruns, is a grave betrayal of public trust and a direct threat to the integrity of South Africa's healthcare system.'
The forensic investigation further revealed several companies were awarded contracts without having valid South African Health Products Regulatory Authority licences.
The PSA condemned the apparent disregard for due process and fiscal responsibility, particularly in a sector as critical as public health. With millions of South Africans relying on state healthcare, every misallocated rand undermines the quality of care and endangers lives, it said.
'While investigations are under way, there is a need to implement stricter procurement and project management protocols to prevent further abuse of public resources.'
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