In Conversation With Zanele Sabela, COSATU Spokesperson
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The Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, says it is deeply concerned following the arrest of Health Department Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi over allegations linked to the misuse of Global Fund money.
Dr Buthelezi was arrested alongside Chief Financial Officer Phineas Mamogale and Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services Malixole Mahlathi. The three appeared before the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on charges of theft and fraud involving more than R1 million.
According to reports, the funds — sourced from the Global Fund — were allegedly used to irregularly appoint service providers to investigate and chair a disciplinary process related to the lead implementer of the fund.
For context, the Global Fund is an international financing organisation that supports countries in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. South Africa receives significant funding due to having one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world.
COSATU has welcomed the arrests and commended the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, for its work. However, the federation says the arrests raise deeper concerns.
The Department of Health has reportedly received more than R2 billion from the Global Fund for HIV and TB programmes. In addition, nearly R500 million has been allocated for the rollout of Lenacapavir, also known as LEN — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention treatment administered twice a year.
Dr Buthelezi was arrested alongside Chief Financial Officer Phineas Mamogale and Acting Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services Malixole Mahlathi. The three appeared before the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on charges of theft and fraud involving more than R1 million.
According to reports, the funds — sourced from the Global Fund — were allegedly used to irregularly appoint service providers to investigate and chair a disciplinary process related to the lead implementer of the fund.
For context, the Global Fund is an international financing organisation that supports countries in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. South Africa receives significant funding due to having one of the largest HIV treatment programmes in the world.
COSATU has welcomed the arrests and commended the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, for its work. However, the federation says the arrests raise deeper concerns.
The Department of Health has reportedly received more than R2 billion from the Global Fund for HIV and TB programmes. In addition, nearly R500 million has been allocated for the rollout of Lenacapavir, also known as LEN — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention treatment administered twice a year.
