Ex-HPCSA President Remains Council Member Amid Financial Misconduct Investigation

Simon Nemutandani, former president of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), continues to hold his position as a member despite facing severe allegations of financial misconduct. This was disclosed by Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi during a parliamentary inquiry response.

The allegations surfaced back in 2021, accusing Nemutandani of misappropriating council funds, notably spending R122,000 of the HPCSA's budget on personal expenses, including R21,000 on high-end restaurant meals. Furthermore, a forensic investigation revealed that he received an unapproved sum of R910,550 for participation in board and subcommittee meetings from December 2020 to July 2021, overpayments that occurred while Nemutandani was simultaneously employed at the Gauteng Department of Health.

Amid these serious claims, the Medical and Dental Professions Board (MDPB) decided in June this year to recall Nemutandani from his presidency to prevent potential damage to the council's reputation. Despite being recalled, he remains a registered dentist and a member of the HPCSA.

Minister Motsoaledi elaborates on the ongoing case, clarifying that Nemutandani's case is presently being handled under the professional conduct processes stipulated by the Health Professions Act. Nemutandani has reportedly challenged the HPCSA's right to take disciplinary measures against him. Currently, the MDBP and its committees are directly dealing with the allegations, adhering to the stringent regulations built-in for such inquiries, outlined under the Health Professions Act.

Reflecting on the financial mishandlings, the HPCSA has successfully recovered the misused funds from Nemutandani. In response to this incident, the council took proactive measures to revise its credit card and entertainment policies to thwart similar future occurrences. The new regulations stipulate that business credit cards must now only be used for sanctioned business expenses and adhere strictly to the council's approved annual budget.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) had voiced concerns regarding Nemutandani’s activities back in 2021, prompting action from the then health minister, Joe Phaahla.

As the investigation proceeds, specifics cannot be disclosed in an effort to maintain the integrity of the proceedings, leaving the healthcare community and public awaiting the final determination on Nemutandani’s professional conduct.