​Qaqambile
Mdledle
The Gauteng government has placed nine senior officials in the Department of Health and Infrastructure Development on precautionary suspension on the recommendation of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The SIU has uncovered serious irregularities in the awarding of contracts for the refurbishment of the Anglo Ashanti Hospital in the West Rand. 
"SIU made referrals to the Gauteng Provincial Government to institute disciplinary action against the nine senior managers who were implicated in irregularities in the awarding of contractors for the refurbishment of the Anglo Gold Ashanti Hospital," the provincial government said in a statement.
"Disciplinary proceedings against them will commence as soon as charges are finalised," spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said.
The SIU has also made referrals to other state institutions for further investigation into the conduct of the implicated government officials and contractors.
GPG has commended the SIU for its ongoing investigation and civil action to recover public funds that have been misappropriated.
Mhaga said the province continues to forge ahead with the fight against fraud and corruption and the drive to build a culture of integrity and ethics among public officials.
"The provincial government has strengthened control systems to prevent fraud and corruption while at the same time it has improved capacity to detect, investigate and take appropriate action including instituting disciplinary action against staff, referring matters for criminal investigation and initiating processes to recover stolen money," added Mhaga.
SIU applauded the provincial government for its swift implementation of SIU disciplinary referrals against the officials.
"We urge other government departments, provinces, municipalities and State-Owned Entities to swiftly implement SIU disciplinary referrals and communicate outcomes to the public.
"We are of a firm belief that a swift implementation of SIU referrals and consequence management will serve as a deterrent to mal-administrators and officials with a habit of misappropriating public funds," said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.