Johannesburg – Patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) are going hungry, says Dr. Jack Bloom, Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow Health MEC.
Revealing the worrying anomaly on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Dr. Bloom explained the problem was a result of the provincial-run cook freeze factory having been shut down for failing food safety standards.
“I discovered this yesterday (Tuesday, 18 November) when I visited the hospital after receiving complaints about poor food,” said Dr. Bloom.
“The hospital kitchen can provide breakfast and supper, but they are not getting plated food for lunch from the Masakhane Cook Freeze Factory in Tshwane, as city inspectors ordered it closed after tests showed E. Coli bacteria in their food.
“Yesterday, patients only got a slice of bread with margarine and cheese for lunch. Usually, they would get a nutritious meal of meat, vegetables, and a starch.”
Dr. Bloom stated that a nurse told him the lunch problem began last week, and relatives have been bringing food for patients.
The Masakhane Cook Freeze Factory is in Tshwane and used to serve 8 000 plates a day to six hospitals and 17 Community Health Centres in Gauteng.
Affected facilities include the Jubilee, Odi, Tshwane District, Bronkhorstspruit, and Lenasia District hospitals.
“It is shameful that a provincial food facility is closed because of contaminated food,” said Dr. Bloom.
“This is due to poor management and underinvestment in new machinery.
“A DA-led administration would ensure that nutritious food is always served to patients by using reliable food contracts and maintaining hygienic standards in food facilities.”
Developing story…
Comments by the Department of Health will be added asap
