69 Gauteng Health suppliers owed R743 million for more than a year

10 November 2024

The Gauteng Health Department owes 69 suppliers R743 million for more than a year, with some companies refusing to do any more business with the department.

These figures are revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

It shows abysmal financial management that has not improved despite umpteen promises by the MEC and by Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

The consequences for hospital patients are dire as budgets are misspent, and some suppliers refuse to deal with the department as they won't be paid within the legally required 30 days.

Although the department officially acknowledges only one company, Curved Business Solutions, has cut off services over non-payment (owing R5.4 million), there are reports of other suppliers quietly cutting off services for the same reason.

To turn this situation around, a thorough overhaul of the department’s incompetent and corrupt top management is urgently needed. The Gauteng Health Department could take a page from the DA-led Western Cape Health Department, which consistently achieves clean audits and pays suppliers within 15 days.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 10 November 2024