By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Image Supplied.
The Independent Development Trust (IDT) has placed its embattled Chief Executive Tebogo Malaka on precautionary suspension with immediate effect.
Malaka’s suspension follows a PwC forensic report that found irregularities in a R800-million oxygen plant tender.
According to the report Malaka failed to exercise oversight and it recommended disciplinary steps against her.
Approximately 400 IDT employees have been flagged for lifestyle audits.
The IDT said its precautionary suspension was aligned with internal policies and the Labour Relations Act and was instituted to allow for an independent and unhindered investigation into the serious matters raised.
“The board emphasises this is not a disciplinary sanction. Ms Malaka remains an employee of the organisation and has not been found guilty of any misconduct.”
To ensure continuity and organisational stability, the board asked minister Dean Macpherson to second a senior official to serve as acting CEO. The minister seconded Carmen-Joy Abrahams to the role with immediate effect.
The IDT, a state entity that falls under the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), had been appointed by the National Department of Health (NDoH) to act as an implementing agent for the oxygen plants project.
The funding came from the Global Fund, an international financing initiative to support treatment of critical illnesses aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The project aimed to install pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at 55 hospitals — a technology that allows facilities to generate oxygen without relying on cylinder delivery. Initially budgeted at R260-million, the cost eventually ballooned to R836-million.
A company in question, Bulkeng was awarded 45 sites worth R428-million, while the Maziya-On Site Gas Systems joint venture was awarded 10 sites worth R152-million. The Global Fund issued a formal “No Objection” to the appointment, based on assurances received from the IDT.
The final forensic report by PwC has been handed over to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Hawks, the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further investigation.