Gauteng health CFO suspended over tender irregularities

Johannesburg - The Gauteng health department's chief financial officer (CFO) has been suspended following alleged tender irregularities, the department said on Monday.

"Mr [Ndoda] Biyela was suspended following allegations of irregularities relating to procurement processes in the department," it said in a statement.

"An investigation is underway to test the veracity of the allegations. Mr Biyela is suspended with full pay pending the outcome of this process."

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital's CFO George Mahlangu had been appointed acting CFO for the department.

Attempts to reach Biyela for comment were not successful.

DA MPL Jack Bloom said the suspension should not "be shrouded in secrecy.

"I am greatly disappointed that yet another senior official faces serious disciplinary action. This department has suffered from a high turnover of top officials who have left under a cloud," he said.

Bloom speculated the suspension could be related to a linen contract reportedly awarded in May last year without going to tender.

"Biyela reportedly wrote in an addendum that tender requirements were waived because of the urgency to procure linen for the Jabulani and New Natalspruit hospitals," Bloom said.