Parliament, Wednesday, 11 September 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, Mr Jan de Villiers, has requested the Public Service Commission (PSC) to investigate the newly appointed head of the Gauteng Health Department, Mr Arnold Lesiba Malotana, to determine whether correct procedures were followed in his appointment.
The investigation is about possible irregularities relating to Mr Malotana’s application forms and declared qualifications to determine whether the incumbent has the required Master’s degree for the position.
It was also alleged that Mr Malotana’s appointment was processed despite a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation into a tender-rigging scheme, where he allegedly shared R8 million in bribes with two other officials. There is a question of whether proper procedures were followed in Mr Malotana’s appointment, including verification of his qualifications and consideration of alleged corrupt activities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of professionalising the public service and state institutions, as part of the Government of National Unity’s (GNU’s) broader vision for improving governance and service delivery in the country. He has often highlighted that a professionalised state is essential to ensure that public officials are competent, accountable, and committed to serving citizens effectively.
Committee Chairperson Mr de Villers is committed to ensuring that all public servants uphold ethical conduct and foster a culture of ethical behaviour. He believes that professionalisation involves recruiting skilled individuals based on merit, which will help reduce corruption, enhance transparency, and restore public trust in government institutions.
The committee will hold the executive authority and members of the executive accountable on various matters related to principles and values governing public administration. The committee will thereby play its part in the GNU of enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the public service, promoting good governance, and ensuring that the state functions optimally in addressing the needs of its citizens.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, MR JAN DE VILLIERS.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Mava Lukani (Mr)
Cell: 081 503 1840
E-mail: amputing@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour