Questions have emerged around the use of public and donor-linked funds within the Department of Health, following revelations that more than R800,000 was spent on a disciplinary process involving an official linked to allegations of tender irregularities.

The issue was brought into the public spotlight by ActionSA, on Thursday, 09 April 2026, which cited a parliamentary reply confirming that R838,296 was used to appoint a chairperson and investigator for a disciplinary hearing against Advocate Maile Ngake.  

According to the Department’s response to a parliamentary question, posed by Action SA’s Dr. T. K. S. Letlape, the funds were drawn from resources associated with the Global Fund, specifically within allocations that had been repurposed for health system strengthening, including the appointment of external professional services.  

The expenditure covered payments of R67,500 to the appointed chairperson and R770,797 to an external investigation service provider for work conducted between August 2023 and February 2024.

The disciplinary process relates to Advocate Ngake, who is understood to have been involved in compiling an investigative report that linked the North West Department of Health to alleged tender irregularities valued at over R1.2 billion, according to claims referenced in political statements.

The Department has indicated that the matter of whether proper procurement procedures and approvals were followed is currently under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), alongside internal processes.  

On the issue of whistleblower protection, the Department stated it was not initially aware of any protected disclosure made by Ngake at the time the disciplinary proceedings began. It further noted that the claim of a protected disclosure only surfaced later during proceedings at the Public Health and Social Development Sectoral Bargaining Council, where jurisdictional issues were also contested.

The Department added that it is awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigations before determining any further action.

Meanwhile, ActionSA has called for greater transparency regarding the use of Global Fund resources and broader reforms to ensure accountability and protection for individuals who report alleged wrongdoing.

The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of governance and procurement practices within the health sector, particularly in relation to the management of donor-funded programmes and internal disciplinary processes.

-The VIP Team 

-Parliament SA

-Action SA