Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has suspended the provincial Head of Health and Wellness, Lesiba Arnold Malotana, with immediate effect, appointing Dr Darion Barclay as acting head.

The decision, announced yesterday, comes amidst an intensifying Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into allegations of corruption within the department, particularly concerning Tembisa Hospital, and astonishing testimony of corruption that has been led before members of Parliament and the Madlanga Commission.

The Premier’s office said the suspension formed part of a broader drive to restore governance in the department, as the SIU widens its inquiry into procurement practices and contracts flagged in past audits and whistleblower reports. While the Premier’s announcement did not list specific allegations against Malotana, provincial officials stated that the step was necessary to protect the integrity of departmental processes and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

Malotana’s appointment as departmental head in mid-2024 had already sparked criticism from opposition parties and some civil-society groups, who questioned the transparency of the recruitment process. The Premier’s office defended the process, emphasising that the post was openly advertised, candidates were competency-assessed and security-vetted, and the Executive Council approved the recommendation according to the Public Service Act.

Dr Barclay, who heads of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Gauteng, now assumes oversight of day-to-day health operations as the disciplinary and investigative process unfolds. Lesufi’s office further announced plans to publish the signed performance agreements of all Members of the Executive Council this week, reiterating the province’s support for the SIU and law enforcement agencies in upholding accountability in the public service.

No timeline has been given for the conclusion of the SIU’s work or a permanent decision on the departmental head post. For now, the province has stressed that service delivery must continue uninterrupted.