By Thapelo Molefe
An R800 million healthcare tender intended to save lives has sparked allegations of corruption and governance failures within the Independent Development Trust (IDT), leading to Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson launching an independent investigation.
The tender, which involved installing Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants in hospitals, has been marred by revelations that two awarded companies lacked critical South African Health Products Regulatory Authority registration, while another allegedly used fraudulent documentation.
He described the controversy as emblematic of the systemic challenges plaguing the IDT, an organisation already under scrutiny for its inability to meet basic governance standards.
“We simply cannot allow close to a billion rand in public funds to be potentially lost through alleged corrupt activities, particularly when it involves essential healthcare equipment,” Macpherson said in a statement on Wednesday.
The IDT, currently without a quorum on its board, faces criticism for its handling
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insideeducation.co.za
