BREAKING NEWS: Gauteng Provincial Government welcomes the Labour Court ruling upholding the suspension of Health HOD Lesiba Malotana.

Gauteng Provincial Government has welcomed the Labour Court ruling upholding the suspension of Health Department Head of Department (HOD) Lesiba Malotana. The suspension, which was initially implemented by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, is a significant step towards addressing corruption allegations within the department.

Malotana was suspended in October 2025, pending a forensic investigation into his lifestyle and alleged irregularities in procurement processes. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) had flagged him as a "high risk" due to his involvement in two questionable contracts worth millions of rands.

The Labour Court's decision to uphold the suspension is seen as a victory for the Gauteng Provincial Government, which has been working to root out corruption and maladministration in the health sector. The government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in public service.

The suspension of Malotana is part of a broader effort by the Gauteng government to address corruption and improve governance. In June 2025, the government removed three provincial heads of department who failed lifestyle audits, demonstrating its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

The outcome of the Labour Court ruling is expected to boost public confidence in the government's efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability in public service.