5 Gauteng officials dismissed for role in awarding irregular tender to refurbish hospital

JOHANNESBURG - Five Gauteng government officials have been dismissed for their role in awarding an irregular tender to refurbish a private hospital for over half a billion rand.
 
In 2022, the Gauteng Department of Health and Infrastructure sanctioned the expenditure of R588 million to upgrade the AngloGold Ashanti Hospital on the West Rand.
 
At the time, the department said that the 181-bed facility was donated to the government to assist with its efforts against COVID-19.
 
However, a year after the multi-million rand refurbishment, the mining company cancelled the lease for the government to use the hospital.
  
The Gauteng government received a scathing report from the Auditor-General for spending R588 million of public money on private property.
 
More than two years after the irregular tender was awarded, the Gauteng government has completed its investigations. 
 
Provincial government spokesperson, Vuyo Mhaga, said the officials had been charged with fraud and corruption.
 
"The Premier [Panyaza Lesufi] has assured the residents of Gauteng that the provincial government remains committed to ensure a transparent and clean government that is prudent in handling resources entrusted to it."
 
At this stage, it is unclear whether the money will ever be recovered.