Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital’s (QMMH) procurement processes have come under intense scrutiny as Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) investigates allegations of political interference, favouritism and possible conflicts of interest within the hospital’s procurement department.
The investigation has raised questions about the independence of the procurement unit, the frequent use of Limited Competitive Bidding, and whether procurement decisions have been made in a transparent and competitive manner.
PAC member Dr Tšeliso Moroke questioned the structure and operations of the procurement unit, alleging that it is vulnerable to political influence.
Moroke said the committee was concerned that the lack of independence within the unit could be affecting both recruitment and procurement decisions.
“This is why every Mosotho now knows that they do not have equal chances like others to get employed at QMMH,” he said.
He added that similar concerns applied to tenders, where the use of Limited Competitive Bidding could restrict competition and create opportunities for contracts to be awarded to preferred companies.
“This procurement unit is not independent. There is so much political interference, just as we see in the hiring of staff,” Moroke said.
“We want to understand why it is so easy for the unit to use Limited Competitive Bidding, which gives them a chance to award tenders to their friends.”
The committee has requested a list of all companies awarded contracts by QMMH, particularly those selected through Limited Competitive Bidding, to determine whether the process has been abused.
Moroke also told the committee that it had received information suggesting that some hospital employees may have benefited from contracts awarded by the institution.
He cited the case of former QMMH Administration Manager Mothusi Rabale, who was dismissed after a disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of misconduct relating to a conflict of interest involving the procurement of vehicle hire services.
Testifying before the committee, QMMH Procurement Manager ‘Masekoati Motšetšero said she joined the hospital in 2021 after being transferred from the Ministry of Health headquarters to assist with the transition following the termination of the government’s partnership with the Tšepong Consortium.
She said that although she was initially brought in to support the transition process, she continued serving as Procurement Manager without undergoing a competitive recruitment process.
Motšetšero further revealed that QMMH does not have a procurement policy, resulting in uncertainty over reporting structures.
She said she had reported to different officials, including the Managing Director and former Ministry of Health Principal Secretary ‘Maneo Ntene.
PAC members questioned the arrangement, noting that the Public Procurement Act, 2023 requires a Procurement Manager to report directly to the Chief Accounting Officer.
Motšetšero told the committee that QMMH frequently uses Limited Competitive Bidding due to poor procurement planning, particularly by the maintenance department.
She explained that urgent requests are often submitted at short notice, leaving procurement officials with limited time to follow open competitive processes.
However, PAC members warned that excessive reliance on Limited Competitive Bidding could undermine transparency, reduce competition and increase the risk of unfair contract awards.
The committee has ordered Motšetšero to provide a full list of companies awarded tenders through the method to assess whether the process has been used appropriately.
Motšetšero also outlined changes in the composition of the hospital’s procurement committee.
She said the committee was initially chaired by Rabale, with members including Dr Kasanji Ngoie, ‘Mamofokeng Phatela, ‘Mabaholo Kikime and Selialia Kori.
Following changes in membership, Phatela was replaced by ‘Maitumeleng Mpotjoane, while Nthati Lebona later became chairperson after being appointed by the Principal Secretary.
The current procurement committee is chaired by QMMH Managing Director ‘Makhoase Ranyali and includes Dr Kasanji Ngoie, Moleboheng Tau, Nthati Lebona and Thenjiwe Dlangamandla.
The PAC investigation is continuing
Summary
- The investigation has raised questions about the independence of the procurement unit, the frequent use of Limited Competitive Bidding, and whether procurement decisions have been made in a transparent and competitive manner.
- He cited the case of former QMMH Administration Manager Mothusi Rabale, who was dismissed after a disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of misconduct relating to a conflict of interest involving the procurement of vehicle hire services.
- Testifying before the committee, QMMH Procurement Manager ‘Masekoati Motšetšero said she joined the hospital in 2021 after being transferred from the Ministry of Health headquarters to assist with the transition following the termination of the government’s partnership with the Tšepong Consortium.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
