Premier’s adviser to face scooter hearings

Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane’s special adviser on the coronavirus, Thobile Mbengashe, will face a disciplinary inquiry over his role in the R10m scooter “ambulance” deal, which has already cost Sindiswa Gomba her job as health MEC.

Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane’s special adviser on the coronavirus, Thobile Mbengashe, will face a disciplinary inquiry over his role in the R10m scooter “ambulance” deal that already cost former health MEC Sindiswa Gomba her job.

If he is found guilty and dismissed, it could affect the province’s efforts to fight the pandemic. As at May 31 2021, the Eastern Cape had the fourth highest provincial Covid-19 case total, with 197,801 cases identified.

Mbengashe left the provincial health department under a cloud, with a disciplinary process looming. An article in Business Day’s sister newspaper Daily Dispatch said he was the subject of a Public Service Commission investigation over the legality of his R1.9m annual contract extension.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recommended he face a disciplinary process over his role in the tender for 100 “ambulance” scooters. In light of a court decision on Friday, he is set to undergo a disciplinary inquiry and may even face suspension.

The SIU persuaded the Special Tribunal to put a stop to any payment for the scooters last year. Then, it argued the tender should be reviewed and set aside in full. The tribunal found in the SIU’s favour on both fronts, with the most recent win handed down on Friday.

“The premier welcomes the findings of the SIU. He is pleased that there was no money lost as advised by the SIU. Dr Mbengashe will be put on DC [disciplinary committee] hearing and the process will be followed to the letter,” said Mabuyane’s acting spokesperson Mxolisi Spondo.

After the scooter scandal broke, DA MP Siviwe Gwarube called the vehicles “glorified wheelbarrows” and urged the heath department to be placed under administration. The EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi also rebuked the ANC over the project.

The SIU said it had forwarded “evidence of suspected criminality” to the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority but did not provide details.

According to the tribunal’s spokesperson, the SIU presented no evidence before the tribunal that suggested irregularity on the part of the intended supplier of the scooters, Fankomp.

Fankomp director Brian Harmse said he welcomed the tribunal’s findings.