Mzansi’s primary vaccine producer, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), has confirmed the dismissal of its suspended chief executive. Dr Baptiste Dungu, who was appointed in 2019, was accused of corruption and had been on a precautionary suspension up until his dismissal.
In an official statement, OBP chairperson Rene Kenosi confirmed that Dungu as well as his office manager, Lindi Mabena, had their services with the company terminated on 21 December 2021.
She says an investigation into allegations against the pair revealed evidence of “various alleged transgressions including, (but not limited to) allowing or instigating irregular procurement procedures, dishonesty and mismanagement in contravention of OBP’s policies and the laws of the Republic of South Africa.”
Appointment marred by scandal
Dungu was dogged by scandal from the start of his tenure. A Congolese national, he was found not to have passed the minimum security standards required for the role. He was also previously employed by the company, up until 2008, but was said to have left under suspicion of using company trade secrets for his own business.
The Mail & Guardian reports that some of the accusations against him include signing off a monthly car allowance of R18 000 for himself, as well as hiring Kevin Govindsamy without the required security clearance, causing an amount of R100 000 to be paid to Govindsamy for one day’s work.
The dismissal of the former CEO comes in the wake of prolonged production issues at the organisation, issues which had resulted in vaccine shortages in the country. Last month, representatives of the National Animal Health Forum (NAHF) met with the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development to discuss the dangers of an inconsistent vaccine supply.
Speaking to Food for Mzansi, Gerhard Schutte, chairman of the NAHF and chief executive of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, warned that the shortages are a threat to herd immunity in the country’s livestock.
“We already had a year or so where some of these vaccines were not available. If we don’t rectify that very, very shortly, herd immunity will just deteriorate further and then we will have serious outbreaks,” he says.
He explains that shortages could affect exports as well as food security in the country.
In her statement, Kenosi explains that while a lack of plant maintenance, an interrupted electricity supply, and labour issues contributed to the company’s inconsistent production, the actions of Dungu and Mabena had a further “significant impact” on the company’s operations. She says with the right support, OBP will once again be able to fill its role.
“We are confident that OBP, with strengthened and sound stakeholder support, can manage the challenges ahead and fulfil its mandate as the prime supplier of animal vaccines to the South African market and safeguard the health of the national herd/s.”
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