Johannesburg – The Gauteng Health Department owes 69 suppliers R743 million for over a year, with some companies refusing to do any more business with the department, reveals Jack Bloom MPL, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow Health MEC.
“These figures are revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature,” Bloom said in a terse statement on Sunday, (10 November 2024).
“It shows abysmal financial management that has not improved despite umpteen promises by the MEC and Premier Panyaza Lesufi.”
Bloom said the consequences for hospital patients were dire as budgets were misspent.
He said some suppliers refused to deal with the department simply because they wouldn’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,” Bloom said.
“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.”
