Suspended KZN Social Development officials reinstated
Two senior KZN officials implicated in the procurement of blankets and the PPE procurement scandal have been reinstated by the provincial Department of Social Development.
They were suspended in 2020 on the recommendations of a forensic investigation report.
Last year, the department lifted the suspension of the chief director and a director, placing them in different directorates within the department.
This week, it put them back in their previous positions within the Pietermaritzburg and eThekwini clusters.
Spokesperson Mhlabunzima Memela says the reason for their suspension and precautionary transfer no longer persists.
"While the investigation has been concluded, the disciplinary processes are still underway. Since there are no ongoing investigations posing a threat to any evidence or witnesses, the reinstatement of the chief directors has been deemed appropriate. At present, only three officials are still undergoing disciplinary proceedings related to this matter. The department remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency and will continue to take decisive actions to uphold the integrity of its operations.
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"It is crucial to note that the officials were never found to have been involved in any form of corruption, contrary to some media reports. The Department has followed all steps or recommendations as per the Premier's forensic outcome and that of the SIU regarding PPE procurement."
The Special Investigating Unit also conducted its investigation on the PPE procurement and discovered that some service providers overcharged the department.
"These service providers have reached an agreement with the SIU to pay back about R1.9 million to the department. Importantly, all the goods required by the department from the service providers were delivered and distributed to the end-users for protection from contracting Covid-19."
