Tebogo Msimanga |
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane announced on Thursday that the province’s Health MEC Sindiswa Gomba is released from her duties.
Mabuyane said Xolile Nqatha has been appointed new acting Health MEC in that province.
This is after Gomba was charged with fraud, money laundering, contravening of the Municipality Finance Management Act and corruption.
The MEC and 11 accused have been implicated in the misappropriation of funds meant for the memorial service of former President Nelson Mandela. They appeared in East London Magistrate Court on Friday 12 February 2021 and they are out on bail. The case was postponed to 5 March 2021.
A week ago, NEHAWU Eastern Cape Provincial Secretary Miki Jaceni said they strongly believe that the MEC should be relieved of her duties with immediate effect.
“The people of the Eastern Cape cannot have an MEC who is facing such heavy charges while she is also expected to lead the provincial Department of Health especially at a time when we are faced with the COVID-19 pandemic which requires all hands on deck to decisively defeat.” Said Jaceni.
