By Ngazibini Siyephu
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, announced the pending suspension of KwaZulu-Natal Head of Department of Transport, Siboniso Mbhele, linked to a R672 million public transport tender.
The premier addressed the media and communicated updates on investigations on corruption allegations against various provincial departments in a media briefing. He said that considering the number of ongoing investigations within the province, he has decided to dedicate the month of October to ensuring public updates of the investigation. Mbhele’s case has since been referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SUI).
“The Office of the Premier has taken decisive steps in addressing serious allegations of maladministration, fraud and corruption related to medico-legal claims in the Provincial Department of Health,” said Ntuli.
This follows the release of receipts by the Department of Health (DOH), in June and August 2025, uncovering probable evidence of widespread irregularities involving several law firms that represented claimants in litigation against the Department between 2018 and 2021.
KZN MEC of Health, Nomagugu Simelane-Mgadi said she does not see herself being in a position where she would be required to testify.
“I’m unable to see myself in the pipeline, on where I would be able to come in and therefore be found guilty of any irregularity,” said Simelane-Mqadi.
Simelane-Mgadi highlighted that the Department of Health has put together a team of lawyers and specialist doctors to determine if claims against the department are viable, therefore through the legal service department of the DOH will go to court to defend the matters.
The Premier is expected to present another report next week, however, he did warn the public to expect a number of suspensions once all investigations have been concluded.
