NEHAWU Northern Cape Welcomes The Arrest Of Former HOD Of Health In The Northern Cape, DR Steven Jonkers
Monday October 11, 2021
The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union [NEHAWU] in the Northern Cape notes and welcomes the arrest of the former HOD of Health in the province, Dr Steven Jonkers, in relation to security tender fraud amounting to R384 million.
The former HOD and the Directors of Defensor Security Company appeared in court on the 08th October 2021 and were released on bail. As NEHAWU, we have been consistent in raising the issue of corruption especially pertaining to the illegal awarding of this Defensor security tender. Much as we welcome the arrest, we however believe that the former HOD was not acting alone in this matter.
We call upon the HAWKS to extend their investigation to former officials in the premier’s office. Furthermore, we call for the immediate suspension of Dr. Steven Jonkers. NEHAWU in the province has reported to the government on many occasions the irregular awarding of security tenders especially at the department of Health and Social Development, however nothing was done.
As NEHAWU, we demand the Premier in the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul to prioritise the insourcing of securities in the department of health as this will result in massive saving of money and curb corruption as the tendering system cannot be separated from corruption.
Lastly, the union calls on the Provincial Government to effectively deal with all those involved in corrupt activities in the province.
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Issued by NEHAWU Northern Cape
Moleme Moleme (Northern Cape Provincial Secretary) at 053 832 6836 or 082 455 2521
email: moleme@nehawu.org.za
Banzi Sebotse (Northern Cape Provincial Deputy Secretary) at 053 832 6836 or 063 685 1900
email to Banzi@nehawu.org.za