The Right to Justice, a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO), is actively pursuing access to information regarding the suspension of Ayanda Dakela, the former head of Infrastructure at the Department of Health.
This move comes amid serious allegations of corruption and misconduct within the department. Dakela, the former head of Infrastructure at South Africa’s Department of Health, has become a central figure in a series of scandals involving allegations of corruption and misconduct. His suspension in early 2024 follows months of scrutiny surrounding his role within the department and his involvement in controversial dealings.
The Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) came into effect in the year in 2000 and is designed to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance by giving the public the right to access information held by the State and private bodies.
PAIA grants any South African citizen or legal resident the right to access information that is held by public or private bodies, provided that the information is necessary to protect or exercise their rights.
Dakela was accused of undermining the procurement process at the Independent Development Trust (IDT). The allegations include tampering with procurement procedures and issuing instructions beyond his official mandate.
These actions were deemed to have potentially compromised the integrity of government operations. The department’s Director General, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, confirmed that Dakela’s suspension was crucial to ensure a fair investigation, allowing no interference with ongoing inquiries into the matter.
His suspension was a direct response to concerns raised by the department, though it wasn’t his first brush with controversy.
In 2020, Dakela’s secondment from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure, then led by Patricia De Lille, ended abruptly.
De Lille accused Dakela of misusing ministerial letterheads to correspond with various parties without authorisation, an action that she argued jeopardised the integrity of the ministry. This act of misconduct resulted in his termination from the position.
Further allegations of financial misconduct and impropriety have surfaced over time, leading to calls from civil society groups, including the Right to Justice NGO, for greater transparency. “The organisation is actively seeking access to information under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) regarding Dakela’s suspension, aiming to ensure that all aspects of the case are investigated thoroughly”.
“The multiple scandals surrounding Dakela have raised serious concerns about governance and accountability within South Africa’s public sector.
His case has become emblematic of broader issues of corruption within government departments and highlights the need for robust legal mechanisms to ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions” Right to Justice Chair Siphesihle Jele said.