Overview

• Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi placed Health head Lesiba Malotana on immediate suspension on October 14, 2025.
• Dr. Darion Barclay, seconded from the provincial CoGTA department, has been appointed acting head to maintain continuity in the health portfolio.
• The action coincides with an SIU investigation into alleged tender corruption in the health department, with interim findings at Tembisa Hospital flagging about R2 billion in suspicious payments.
• Investigators have detailed 207 service providers and 4,501 purchase orders under scrutiny, with officials allegedly benefiting by at least R122 million, subject to further developments.
• Lesufi’s office pledged cooperation with law enforcement and said signed performance agreements for all MECs will be published on Thursday.