Civil society demands probe into HIV, TB funds diversion

Civil society groups have called for an investigation into allegations that funds intended for HIV/Aids, tuberculosis (TB) and other critical health programmes are being diverted to other expenses. Lindiwe Mahlangu, a health expert and member of Positive Women Network, stated that any reallocation of funds could have serious consequences for those already facing gaps in services.

These allegations emerged after the national department of health reportedly escalated claims that money for key health care programmes, including HIV/Aids, TB and child nutrition, was being redirected to health marketing and communication contracts. While Mahlangu acknowledged that the claims had not yet been proven, she emphasized the importance of civil society demanding transparency and accountability.

She highlighted the impact of funding disruptions, particularly following the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), which led to gaps in services such as HIV testing, treatment literacy and community mobilisation. Themba Godi, leader of the African People’s Convention and former chair of the public accounts committee, criticized the diversion of funds as poor planning, which could adversely affect service delivery in the long run.

Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage termed the alleged corruption as outrageous and called for officials involved to be identified and investigated, along with scrutiny of companies receiving the contracts. The matter has been referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the auditor-general and the public protector to examine the irregularities related to New Healthcare Infrastructure (NHI) spending.