The national health director-general, Sandile Buthelezi, is embroiled in a scandal involving the improper accreditation of Ithani Amen LTD, a firm registered just eight days before its approval to oversee a disciplinary hearing. The firm, represented by Nokuzola Mafunda, opened its bank account a day after approval and was paid from Global fund grants meant for Covid-19 response, despite missing essential details on its invoice and not meeting procurement standards. Senior officials, including acting deputy director-general Malixole Mahlathi and CFO Phineas Mamogale, face charges of fraud and theft as they bypassed normal procedures, claiming Mafunda was the only qualified consultant, while discrepancies and misleading information were present in the appointment process. The court proceedings have released the accused on bail, with the case postponed for further investigation.