R46.7M SPENT, GAUTENG HOSPITALS STILL AT RISK

Massive payments to contractors raise questions as hospital fire detection and suppression systems remain inadequate

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

THE Gauteng Health Department has allocated a staggering R46.7 million over the past three years to two contractors responsible for implementing fire detection and suppression systems across provincial hospitals.

This substantial investment raises questions about the effectiveness and efficiency of these measures, particularly as the healthcare sector grapples with numerous challenges, not least of which is ensuring patient safety and compliance with stringent fire safety regulations.

In a written reply to the Gauteng Legislature, Health MÉC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed that Modipadi Nokaneng and the Ngwato and Manzi Group (NMG) received R28.8m and R17.9m, respectively, between 2022/23 and 2024/25 for "services rendered by the service provider."

The Democratic Alliance's Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom, raised concerns over the companies' links to Deputy President Paul Mashatile's sons and questioned why they are now claiming an additional R44m.

"We need to know why the original R49 million contract has apparently been extended," Bloom said, noting that hospitals remain non-compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.