SIU uncovers Tembisa Hospital corruption syndicates, 111 officials implicated

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has revealed shocking levels of corruption at Tembisa Tertiary Hospital, with more than 111 officials linked to four criminal syndicates that siphoned billions of rands through irregular contracts.

SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi confirmed that the implicated contracts will be cancelled and assets obtained through fraud will be seized and returned to the state.

A probe tied to Babita Deokaran’s murder

The investigation gained urgency following the murder of Gauteng Health Department official and whistleblower Babita Deokaran in August 2021. She was assassinated after exposing suspicious tenders at the hospital. Her killing became a national symbol of the risks faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.

“This proclamation has allowed us to dig deeper into corruption at Tembisa Hospital,” Mothibi said. “We are talking about billions stolen. We will recover these assets and redirect them to the public good.”

How the syndicates worked

According to the SIU, fraudulent suppliers colluded with hospital staff to secure contracts and process payments. Investigators found:

• Fraudulent or irregular bid documents from both winning and losing bidders.

• Service providers appointed despite failing requirements.

• Multiple irregular contracts leading to massive irregular expenditure.

The investigation covers unlawful activities between 1 January 2020 and 1 September 2023.

Public calls for accountability

The findings have reignited public anger, particularly as South Africa’s healthcare system struggles with shortages. Zwelinzima Vavi, Secretary-General of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), urged authorities to prosecute those behind Deokaran’s murder.

“As we remembered Babita Deokaran, we heard chilling testimonies of activists,” Vavi said. “This is a crisis of neglect, corruption, and a hollowed-out state. We must fight for a health system that cares.”

Activists have pointed out how corruption drains resources from hospitals already unable to provide basic services like early cancer detection scans in rural areas.

A test of political will

The SIU has handed findings to the Department of Health for disciplinary action, with some cases already underway. Mothibi stressed that more officials could still be implicated as the probe continues.

For many South Africans, the outcome of this investigation will test whether the state can protect whistleblowers, recover stolen billions, and restore trust in a collapsing healthcare system.

{Source: IOL}

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