Dear President Julius Malema,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to seek your urgent intervention regarding a grave injustice that JLS Consulting and Development, a small business, has suffered at the hands of the Department of Health. Despite fulfilling our obligations under a purchase order and delivering services as required, the Department has failed to settle our invoice for over 96 days. This non-payment has caused severe financial strain, leaving our employees without salaries for months and pushing our business to the brink of collapse.

While the Department initially committed to resolving the payment issue by 3rd December, this promise was not kept. The Acting CFO, Mr. Botsane Montwedi, assured us that payment would be finalized, but there has been no action. This ongoing negligence highlights systemic failures within the Department that have left us with debts now and at the verge of closure and loss of jobs. The MEC escalate the matter to Botsane to resolve, but we have not been paid to date.

On 30 August 2024, my company, JLS Consulting and Development, delivered 200 oil heaters to Weskoppies Hospital in Pretoria, as per the Purchase Order instructions. The delivery was confirmed, and the Goods Received Voucher (GRV: 500 244 9068) was issued on 2 September 2024. I followed all necessary procedures, including the hand delivery of documents as per the Purchase Order instructions. However, when I followed up, I was informed that my initial submission could not be traced and was subsequently directed to upload my invoice (Doc ID: 5927796, Invoice No. 510752167) to the Prizma Portal, which I promptly did.

Despite these efforts, no payment has been made to date. My vendor number is 1100181286.
Upon follow up with the hospital we informed that the payments are being done by central office, hence ACFO Botsane, was tasked to assist which he has failed us. 3 months later after using our last capital as a small company we feel defrauded by the department of health.

As a leader who has consistently advocated for the rights of marginalized groups and small businesses, I turn to you for support in ensuring accountability and justice. It is deeply disheartening that a government department tasked with promoting wellness has contributed to financial instability for small businesses like ours, undermining the livelihoods of employees and their families.

I respectfully request your intervention to address the following critical issues:

Why has the Department of Health failed to adhere to the 30-day payment regulation?
What actions are being taken against officials responsible for this delay?
When will the outstanding payment to JLS Consulting be processed and finalized?
What measures can be put in place to prevent similar injustices to other small businesses?

Your voice and leadership can bring much-needed attention to this matter and help ensure that small businesses are treated with the dignity and fairness they deserve.

Thank you for your time and support in addressing this urgent issue. I am confident that with your intervention, justice can prevail.

Regards
JLS Consulting and Development Team
jlsconsulting1960@gmail.com