The Tembisa Hospital scandal continues to shake South Africa after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) uncovered that three organised syndicates stole more than R2 billion meant for healthcare.
Political parties react to Tembisa Hospital scandal
Political parties say the findings must lead to immediate criminal prosecutions and not just disciplinary hearings.
The SIU revealed that the money was siphoned off through fraudulent contracts, fake bids, and collusion between hospital officials and private companies.
At least 15 officials have been implicated so far, with some linked to expensive properties and luxury cars.
SIU head Andy Mothibi described the theft as a “shocking betrayal of the public trust”, adding that funds meant to help the sick and vulnerable were instead used for private enrichment.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) called for the Gauteng Health Department to fire implicated officials.
“We need all the implicated officials to be speedily disciplined. We reiterate our call for the dismissal of the Gauteng Health MEC and the head of department. Those companies involved must also be blacklisted from future government contracts,” DA health spokesperson Jack Bloom said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) went further, accusing the scandal of being protected by those in political power.
“Patients are dying in overcrowded and under-resourced hospitals not because of foreign nationals, but because money meant for beds, medicines, and equipment is looted by politicians and their criminal partners,” the party noted in a statement.
The EFF also demanded justice for Babita Deokaran, the Gauteng health official assassinated in 2021 after flagging suspicious contracts at Tembisa Hospital.
Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala’s name surfaces on Day 8 of Madlanga Commission
On the same day political parties demanded justice, the Madlanga Commission heard explosive testimony about one of the key figures in the hospital scandal — Vusi “Cat” Matlala.
Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo testified that Matlala is part of a powerful cartel known as the “Big Five.”
This group, according to Khumalo, is deeply involved in drug trafficking, hijackings, contract killings, and tender fraud.
Khumalo alleged that Matlala used his wealth to buy protection from police and politicians, disrupting investigations into his activities. Cellphone records allegedly show Matlala exchanging money and information with senior figures.
The SIU has already linked companies connected to Matlala to contracts worth millions of rand at Tembisa Hospital.
His syndicate is one of three — along with networks led by Hangwani Maumela and Rudolf Mazibuko — that collectively looted more than R2 billion.
The political fallout is growing. The EFF has warned that corruption in the health sector is “systemic,” while civil society groups are calling for asset seizures and jail time for those responsible.
With the SIU’s investigation continuing until 2027, more names are expected to surface.
