/ 12 May 2009

DA calls on KZN health minister to probe expenditure

The DA on Tuesday called on KwaZulu-Natal's health minister to appoint a forensic audit into the R2,5-billion over-expenditure in the department.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Tuesday called on KwaZulu-Natal’s newly appointed health minister to appoint a forensic audit into the R2,5-billion over-expenditure in the department to prevent it from happening in future.

DA caucus leader in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, John Steenhuisen, said the new minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo needed to act quickly on a turnaround strategy for the department.

‘The [minister] has inherited a department with an overspend of R2,5-billion. We call on him to appoint a forensic audit into this over-expenditure, so that he can begin his tenure with a clean slate.

”The many citizens of KZN, who are completely reliant on the province’s health system, cannot be made to suffer further due to the bungling mismanagement and incompetence within this department.”

Steenhuisen welcomed Dhlomo’s appointment, saying his experience in the health field spoke volumes.

He replaced Peggy Nkonyeni who is now a Deputy Speaker of the legislature.

‘The appointment of Dr Dhlomo, who has both medical and managerial experience, is a welcome relief. We, the opposition, look forward to working closely with him as he implements plans to turn around his department.” — Sapa