WeeklySA_AdminDISSERVICE: Since May, 10 hospitals in the province have reported a variety of problems, including lack of hot water as a result of critical equipment breakdowns such as outdated boilers, chillers, heat pumps, and air conditioners…
By Yoliswa Sobuwa
As winter sets in, and temperatures continue to drop across Gauteng, patients at several public hospitals have raised concerns about freezing wards and a lack of hot water.
According to the Gauteng Department of Health, this is due to the ageing infrastructure in its health facilities.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says in a statement contractors are on standby to respond to emergencies.
“In May, several facilities experienced the visible effects of ageing infrastructure, when breakdowns in the boiler systems resulted in inconsistent hot water supply. The reality we are facing is that critical equipment such as boilers, chillers, heat pumps, and air conditioners are outdated and have not been appropriately serviced for a long time,” she says.
DA Gauteng Health spokesperson Jack Bloom says he has received complaints from 10 hospitals about the cold conditions. These include Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Edenvale Hospital, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria West Hospital, Kalafong Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, and Far East Rand Hospital.
According to Bloom, some hospital management stated that there was no budget to repair the heating systems, leaving certain wards and, at times, entire hospitals without heating.
The cold wards are not the only concern.
In a written reply to the Gauteng Legislature, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed that from May 1, nine hospitals have been without hot water. These include Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Cullinan Care and Rehabilitation Centre, Sterkfontein Hospital, Edenvale Hospital, Lenasia South Hospital, Kalafong Hospital, Weskoppies Hospital, Jubilee Hospital, and Tshwane Rehabilitation Centre.
“This is a disgrace. It is inhumane to treat sick and vulnerable people so poorly,” says Bloom.
Nkomo-Ralehoko says progress is being made in restoring hot water and heating systems across affected facilities.
“At Bertha Gxowa Hospital, the faulty hot water compressors have been repaired and serviced. Pretoria West Hospital and Sterkfontein Hospital experienced leaking steam pipes and required the replacement of calorifiers (devices used to heat water), which has now been completed. Edenvale Hospital also had challenges with its boiler system, but the necessary repairs have been carried out,” she says.
“At Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, the contractor successfully repaired the calorifiers. Similar issues at Kalafong Hospital have also been addressed. Contractors are currently on-site at Tambo Memorial Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, conducting repairs on problematic calorifiers. At Far East Rand Hospital, a contractor has been dispatched to replace ageing calorifiers, with work expected to be completed this weekend,” Nkomo-Ralehoko says.
Nkomo-Ralehoko says the increased strain on hospital infrastructure during winter contributes to more frequent equipment failures.
“During this time, the department experiences a large number of breakdowns due to heavy usage. However, contractors are on standby to respond as issues arise,” she says.
She adds that R100 million has been allocated to recapitalise critical equipment across Gauteng’s healthcare facilities.
“Over time, this recapitalisation programme will help reduce breakdowns, as ageing equipment is gradually replaced,” she says.
The Gauteng Department of Health’s budget for the 2025/2026 financial year is R66 billion, with a total of R209.1 billion allocated over the 2025-2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), according to the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Key Highlights:
• R66 billion: Allocation for the 2025/26 financial year;
• R209.1 billion: Total allocation over the MTEF (2025-2028);
• Strengthening Public Health: The budget aims to improve the public health system, focusing on equitable and patient-centred care;
• Infrastructure Development: Includes funding for modernising healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery; and
• Addressing Underserved Communities: The budget prioritises improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
This budget is part of a larger R527.2 billion provincial budget for the MTEF, according to IOL. The health budget is intended to strengthen the public health system, ensuring equitable, patient-centred care, particularly in underserved communities. – Health-e News
MIRROR Briefs
2 TROOPS’ FATAL STABBING
Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were stabbed to death by a colleague during an altercation at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga in the early hours of Saturday.
The SANDF said in statement, it had, in conjunction with the South African Police Service, launched a full investigation into the matter. “The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified.”
The SANDF expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. “This is a deeply painful moment for the organisation and the military community at large.”
The SANDF initially reported that two soldiers were shot by a colleague who then committed suicide, but subsequently issued a revised statement indicating that only two soldiers had been stabbed to death. The identities of the deceased had been withheld in respect of their families.
Meanwhile, last week’s presentation of the re-tabled Strategic Plan (2025–2030) and Annual Performance Plan (APP) for 2025/26 to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) revealed the extent to which the military’s strategic ambitions have been curtailed by shrinking budgets, unresolved governance failings and declining combat readiness. – Lehlohonolo Lehana.
STOLEN FUNDS FREEZE ORDER
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a freezing order from the Special Tribunal against a property allegedly purchased using funds misappropriated from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The funds were initially earmarked for community development initiatives. The tribunal’s order prohibits the sale or transfer of the agricultural holdings property in Centurion, Gauteng, pending the conclusion of civil proceedings to recover the misappropriated funds.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the property is registered under Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Collin Tshisimba, who has been implicated in other instances of NLC grant misappropriation, as part of ongoing investigations. “The SIU’s investigation revealed that Make Me Movement NPO, which received grants totalling approximately R17.5 million from the NLC for cycling development in rural areas, diverted substantial sums to entities linked to Tshisimba and his associates,” Kganyago said.
Key findings of the investigation included R3 million that was paid to Thwala Front CC, owned by Fhulufhelo Kharivhe, Tshisimba’s life partner, within days of receiving NLC funds; R1 million that was transferred to Black Tshisimba (Pty) Ltd, which was later used to purchase the frozen property; nearly R8 million of the initial R14 million grant which was disbursed to companies controlled by respondents, despite their lack of affiliation with the NPO. – Sanews.
SA BURIAL FOR EX-ZAMBIAN PRES
The family of the late Zambian President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has confirmed that the former head of state will be laid to rest in Johannesburg, South Africa. In a statement, the family expressed deep appreciation for the support received from across Africa and commended the South African government for its non-interference and respect for their decision.
“We wish to announce that the funeral and burial of our beloved Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu will take place here in South Africa, in accordance with the family’s wishes for a private ceremony. This period has been deeply emotional for the family and we are grateful for the overwhelming support and condolences extended to the family from across the continent and the globe.”
In his address last week, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, announced an immediate end to the mourning period, saying the country needed to “resume normal life”.
The national mourning period initially ran from June 8 to 14 June but was later extended until June 23 with flags flying at half-mast and radio stations playing solemn music.
Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died earlier this month in South Africa where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. – Lehlohonolo Lehana.
TRIBUTES FOR LATE JOURNO
The passing of Aserie Ndlovu had robbed South Africa of an icon who still had much to offer and contribute, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said on Saturday.
“The passing of Mr Ndlovu has robbed our nation of an icon, who still had so much to offer and contribute. Primarily, as government, we are saddened not only by his passing, but also the way he was brutally killed. “We are confident that our criminal justice system will ensure that those who are responsible for their killing get harshest punishment as possible.”
Morolong was speaking at the funeral service of the journalist and founder of Capital Live FM, in Mahlabathini, Mpumalanga. Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli went missing in February this year. Police later discovered two lifeless bodies which were identified as those of the missing couple. “Government calls on all South Africans to join us as we pay tribute to a life well lived. In this time of great sadness, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with both families who lost their loved ones. “We thank the family for opening your doors for us to engage and offer support from the time both Ndlovu and his partner were reported missing up until we learned about their tragic death,” Morolong told mourners attending the service. – SA news
