Independent News reports that the Gauteng Department of Health fired the embattled chief executive of the Far East Rand Hospital, Dr Zacharia Mathaba, after he was only a year into his top job.  

The department’s spokesperson did not divulge reasons behind the dismissal, but allegations of corruption have dogged Mathaba for some time.  On Thursday, members of the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) protested at the hospital, calling for his suspension.  The union claimed that as soon as Mathaba arrived at the hospital, he further entrenched a culture of corruption and victimised whistleblowers.  “In less than six months Nupsaw members have reported him to the Public Service Commission for issues such as irregular procurement practices, corrupt recruitment practices and continuous and deliberate violation of Covid-19 regulation,” the union stated.  In August, it was reported that there were allegations that Mathaba had approved the tender of a company that had inflated its price by 190%.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Botho Molosankwe at Independent News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page