Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will investigate why Anban Pillay, a Deputy Director General at the Gauteng Department of Health, got away with a slap on the wrist over Digital Vibes tender scandal for R152 million.
The DA demands Health Minister Joe Phaahla recoup every penny misappropriated by Digital Vibes and spend it on critical health care upgrades.
Despite being implicated in irregular, fruitless, and wasteful spending of R152 million, Gauteng Health Department spokesperson Popo Maja, and the department chief of staff Shireen Pardesi and Pillay received mere slaps on the wrists.
In spite of the recommendation of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to criminally prosecute Pilly, the party points out it is highly improbable that he got away with such a light sentence.
According to DA MP Michele Clarke, SIU recommended criminal charges against Dr Pillay, and the opposition party will follow up with the police and the Department of Health to see if charges have yet been filed against him, saying if they have not, DA will open a case.
The trio, Pardesi, Popo Maja, and Pilly were suspended in 2021 pending an investigation into COVID-19 tender fraud.
Following the findings of the SIU report into the Digital Vibes contract in which three senior officials were implicated, the Department of Health appointed an Independent Senior Counsel to preside over the Disciplinary Hearing.
On Thursday, July 21, the department announced that Dr Pillay faced four charges and was found guilty of one, Popo Maja faced four charges and was found guilty of two, and Pardesi faced two charges and was found guilty of one.
In consultation with the Presiding Officer, the Department of Health provided submissions into possible sanctions and permitted the employees’ legal representatives to make responses regarding mitigating factors, as well as to share notes.
“The Chairperson considered the evidence obtained, his findings, and the parties’ representations.” said health department.
According to Justice Department, all those charged with the crimes were first-time offenders, and no evidence showed they benefited from the transactions.
Pillay received a final written warning valid for 15 months, a three-month suspension without pay, and a 12-month reduction in compensation level. Maja also received a final written warning and a 12-month wage reduction.
Pardesi proposed that she resign from the Department with immediate effect. The offer was accepted by all parties and confirmed by the Presiding Officer.
As recommended in the SIU report, Clarke argued that Pillay should be criminally prosecuted, and that the District Attorney will pursue charges with the police and Health Department. “If it has not yet been done, we will open a case against her,” said Clarke.
“A state of disaster or a pandemic is scarcely a reason for tender fraud, but Pillay and his cohorts were committed to evading serious consequences.” he added.
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