The CEO of Witrand Hospital, Mrs Naledi Mocwaledi-Senyane was once hailed as a phenomenal woman for steering the hospital to greater heights and for the number of awards received by the hospital.
Last Friday, however, Nehawu (The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union) accused her of being an arrogant bully during a protest march and blamed her for being responsible for the missing R260 million from the hospital coffers.
Employees from the hospital handed over their memorandum to the provincial office of health at Witrand. The union demands that she is suspended with immediate effect and that a forensic audit is conducted at the hospital. Nehawu’s regional chairperson, Mangaliso Faku said there are fraud and corruption at the hospital that need to be rooted out.
“In addition, the CEO intimidates, harasses and charging workers unfairly. She abuses her power and is a bully who threatens everyone against her with suspension,” he fumed.
Photo: Selogile Leshage
Mocwaledi-Senyane has dismissed the claims and allegations, describing the issue of the missing money as untrue, malicious, degrading and defamatory. “The Auditor General has done consecutive audits for the past five years and the hospital has never received a disclaimer. All public funds have been accounted for and are spent according to the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations and supply chain management policies and prescripts. The budget is discussed in the monthly hospital reviews, budget and divisional heads’ meeting. In essence, there can never be missing money where there are strict PFMA regulations in Government including Witrand,” she responded.
Mocwaledi-Senyane says it is against the hospital procedures for managers or staff to harass and intimidate one another. Where such cases are reported, they are dealt with promptly, hence,there has always been stability within the hospital. There is a Public Service Grievance Procedure in place (Government Gazette No 20231 of 1999) with target time frames for all employees to follow as and when there are areas of dissatisfaction,” she explained.
Commenting on the union’s allegations of fraud and corruption, Mocwaledi-Senyane says they demand evidence.
“Whenever this issue has been raised, Nehawu was requested to provide specifics and, to date, nothing has been forthcoming. Anyone with evidence in their possession has been and still is, urged to submit such to the HoD for Health in NW. In addition, these are criminal activities that must be reported to the SAPS,” she said.
Photo: Selogile Leshage
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