NEHAWU Statement On The Release Of The SIU Into COVID-19 Related Procurement By State Institutions
Tuesday January 25, 2022
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] welcomes the release of the Special Investigative Unit [SIU] Investigation Report into COVID-19-related procurement by State Institutions.
The publication of the report follows the proclamation on the 23rd July 2020 by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Special Investigating Unit to probe any allegations of impropriety and misuse of COVID-19 funds.
The SIU report has laid bare the extent to which the COVID-19 funds were misused through acts of corruption, fraud, maladministration and mismanagement of public funds. The report also details how procurement processes were totally disregarded in awarding irregular contracts amounting to over R7 Billion to various service providers.
As NEHAWU, we find it despicable that billions of rands were squandered in such a manner as detailed by the SIU report. These monies could have been correctly directed towards ensuring that healthcare workers were provided with the necessary resources in their fight against COVID-19.
Our members perished in the line of duty without adequate and proper Personal Protective Equipment [PPEs] yet the money that was earmarked for the fight against COVID-19 has been looted. The money could have easily been used to permanently employ Community Health Workers, who played an instrumental role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Equally, this money that has been misused could have paid public servants their salary increment but instead the government reneged on the implementation of Resolution 1 of 2018 whilst those political connected were benefiting from the proceeds of fraud and corruption through PPE tenders.
Lastly, we call on the government and relevant law enforcement authorities to implement the referrals of the SIU Report which include amongst others; criminal prosecution, litigation, recouping money, setting aside contracts and instituting disciplinary action against officials.
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Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968;
December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969;
Lwazi Nkolonzi (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 081 558 2335
email: lwazin@nehawu.org.za