Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
Johannesburg, South Africa – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has placed Lesiba Arnold Malotana, the Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness, on suspension with immediate effect. The move, announced on 14 October 2025, comes as the province deals with serious allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the health sector. Dr Darion Barclay, who currently leads the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has been appointed as the Acting Head to ensure stability and continued service delivery.
This decision highlights the government’s push to tackle maladministration and uphold accountability in public institutions. While the official statement does not spell out the exact reasons for the suspension, it follows months of scrutiny over Malotana’s role, including investigations into tender irregularities and bribe claims. The province reaffirms its full support for law enforcement agencies working to root out wrongdoing.
Details of the Suspension Announcement
In a media statement released by the Gauteng Provincial Government, Premier Lesufi confirmed the suspension of Malotana, effective immediately. The document stresses the need for seamless operations in the health department, which serves millions of residents facing challenges like overcrowded hospitals and resource shortages.
Dr Barclay’s appointment as Acting Head is seen as a step to maintain continuity. He brings experience from his current position, where he oversees local governance and traditional matters. The statement notes that his leadership will prioritise smooth service delivery during this transition period.
On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the Premier’s Office will oversee the signing of performance agreements for all Members of the Executive Council. This event aims to set clear goals and ensure officials deliver on their mandates, aligning with efforts to improve public services.
The government expressed strong backing for the Special Investigating Unit and other law enforcement bodies. It commits to remaining steadfast in fighting maladministration and promoting ethical leadership to meet the highest standards of accountability.
Background on Lesiba Arnold Malotana and Mounting Allegations
Lesiba Arnold Malotana took over as Head of the Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness in early 2024, amid hopes he would steer the department through its troubles. However, his tenure has been dogged by controversy from the start.
Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance, have long called for his removal. They point to allegations that Malotana shared an R8 million bribe with two other senior officials, Edgar Motha and Sheriff Lecholo. These claims surfaced in investigations into procurement scandals, where contracts were allegedly awarded irregularly, leading to massive financial losses.
The Special Investigating Unit has been probing these matters, including links to the broader Tembisa Hospital fraud scandal that involved over R2 billion in irregular spending. Inflated prices for goods and services drained resources meant for patient care, sparking public outrage.
Further concerns arose over Malotana’s appointment itself. Questions were raised about whether proper processes were followed, prompting referrals to oversight bodies like the Public Protector. Critics argue that his leadership failed to address deep-seated issues, such as delays in cancer treatment that led to court rulings against the department.
In one notable case, the Gauteng High Court ruled against the health department multiple times for not providing timely oncology services. Patients faced long waits for radiation therapy, with some turning to legal action to force compliance. These judgments highlighted systemic failures under Malotana’s watch, including poor planning and resource allocation.
The department has also spent over R13 million on salaries for suspended staff in recent years. This includes cases involving job-selling scams, sexual assault accusations, and other misconduct. Such spending has been criticised as wasteful, especially when hospitals struggle with basic supplies.
Dr Darion Barclay Steps In as Acting Head
Dr Darion Barclay’s interim role is expected to bring a fresh approach to the department’s challenges. As the current Head of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, he has a track record of managing complex portfolios that involve community engagement and policy implementation.
His appointment underscores the government’s focus on stability. With health services under strain from issues like staff shortages and infrastructure decay, Barclay will need to hit the ground running. Stakeholders hope he will prioritise urgent fixes, such as improving procurement processes and enhancing patient care.
This move also reflects a broader reshuffle trend in Gauteng, where leaders aim to inject new energy into underperforming sectors. Barclay’s experience in governance could help bridge gaps between provincial and local levels, ensuring better coordination for wellness programmes.
Upcoming Performance Agreements: A Step Towards Accountability
The signing of performance agreements on 16 October 2025 marks a key moment for the province’s executive team. These contracts outline specific targets for each Member of the Executive Council, tying their roles to measurable outcomes in areas like health, education, and economic development.
By making these agreements public, the government aims to build trust and show commitment to delivery. In the health sector, this could mean clearer goals for reducing waiting times, curbing corruption, and upgrading facilities. The event comes at a time when residents demand more transparency, especially after recent scandals.
Government’s Firm Stance on Investigations
The provincial government has made it clear it stands fully behind probes by the Special Investigating Unit and other agencies. This support is crucial for uncovering the full extent of any wrongdoing and holding those responsible accountable.
Officials emphasise that no one is above the law, and the suspension allows for unbiased investigations. By rooting out maladministration, the government hopes to restore public confidence in the health system, which has been battered by years of mismanagement.
This approach aligns with national efforts to combat corruption in public sectors. It sends a message that ethical lapses will not be tolerated, paving the way for reforms that benefit ordinary citizens.
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