Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – A damning report into the irregular appointment of convicted fraudster Zongezile Adam Zumane as CEO of Senorita Nhlabathi Hospital is expected to land today.
The probe follows an exposé by this publication, which forced MEC Monyatso “Viceroy” Mahlatsi to mislead Minister Aaron Motsoaledi by claiming Zumane had expunged his criminal record.
DG raised red flags
Dr Solomon Phera, Director-General of the Free State Provincial Government, twice flagged the appointment as irregular, warnings that appear to show how FSPG is expecting the report to confirm.
Now, all eyes are on Mahlatsi.
Will Mahlatsi move to the Labour Court to nullify the appointment, or let another scandal slide?
If history is anything to go by, accountability may once again take a back seat.
The Department of Education has yet to act against convicted fraudster Cycil Ngwenya, whose irregular appointment still stands despite a report by the Public Service Commission.
Ngwenya’s case is even more glaring, the position was never advertised. Four years later, the report is gathering dust.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health is juggling at least three other investigations, including, theft involving a dental technician at Pelonomi Hospital.
In other news, a two year old appeal of a kitchen manager who allegedly stole cheese is still waiting for Mahlatsi to finalize her appeal after diciplinary hearing found her guilty and ordered “three month salary” to be docked.
Found guilty of “cheese theft” and she has been going to work yet employees terminated for absconded despite evidence that they never absconded are at home and unemployed waiting for Mahlatsi.
Furthermore, employees of “cable theft” and “food theft” at Pelonomi are still going to work with their appeals on his desk.
A lodger mother has reached to this publication and alleging food services employees are using them to steal food.
Mahlatsi must must decide if he wants to lead or not, his office can’t finalize appeals in 30 days.
Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed the Zumane investigation is underway.
As per the instructions of the Premier – the official was reassigned from CEO responsibility at Senorita Ntlabathi to Bophelo House.
The HOD appointed a team to investigate the matter in full and report is expected by 31 March 2026 for HODs consideration on the next appropriate steps to take.”
This is a developing story.
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