Parliament, Tuesday, 26 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Health has noted with concern the ongoing challenges affecting public healthcare delivery in Gauteng and at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, in particular, as well as the growing public concern about access to quality healthcare services in Gauteng.
Committee chairperson Ms Faith Muthambi said these concerns must be understood within the broader context of a public health system that carries the responsibility of serving millions of people who depend on state healthcare for their survival, dignity and wellbeing.
In light of these concerns, the committee welcomes the Public Protector’s report on the allegations of undue delays on the part of the Gauteng departments of Infrastructure Development and the of Health in addressing the structural damage caused by a fire at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital. The committee also acknowledges that all implicated parties were afforded an opportunity to respond and to take corrective steps.
The committee also welcomes the Public Protector’s thorough investigation, clear findings and remedial recommendations aimed at restoring accountability, governance and service delivery. The committee also notes that the Public Protector found evidence of gross maladministration and systemic weaknesses, which that created conditions conducive to inefficiency and corruption.
What is of particular concern is the finding that, despite significant funds being allocated for repairs and renovations, implementation was delayed, resulting in prolonged infrastructure challenges and the continued closure of essential hospital wards.
The committee further notes that the Public Protector afforded the relevant departments and officials adequate time and opportunity to respond to the findings and to begin implementing remedial action. The committee views this process as consistent with the principles of fairness, accountability and cooperative governance, and expects measurable progress in the implementation of the remedial measures.
The committee also expects to see clear timeframes for infrastructure restoration, strengthened procurement and contract management, improved financial controls, and defined accountability for decision making. The Gauteng departments of Health and Infrastructure Development must provide regular updates on milestones achieved, remaining risks and any constraints to implementation, including steps taken to prevent a recurrence of similar failures.
Ms Muthambi emphasised that the state of Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital must be viewed through the lived realities of ordinary people. “Public hospitals exist to serve those who have no alternative. When services are disrupted, it is the poor and working‑class communities who carry the burden. A weakened public health system is not an abstract policy issue, it directly affects lives, health outcomes and human dignity.”
The committee is concerned that persistent infrastructure challenges, leadership instability and capacity constraints undermine the effective functioning of public healthcare institutions. Where critical posts remain vacant or management instability persists, service delivery is compromised and accountability is weakened.
Ms Muthambi said, “The constitution places a clear obligation on the state to provide access to healthcare services. Failures in governance, planning and implementation ultimately translate into longer waiting times, reduced access to specialised care and increased pressure on frontline healthcare workers.”
The committee recognises the immense pressure placed on healthcare professionals who continue to serve under difficult conditions. Delays in operational support, including overtime payments and adequate staffing negatively affect morale and retention, further straining the system.
In line with its constitutional oversight mandate, the committee will formally request a comprehensive progress report from the Gauteng departments of Health and of Infrastructure Development on the implementation of the Public Protector’s remedial action, including timeframes and milestones. This must include updates on governance reforms, financial controls, infrastructure rehabilitation and the stabilisation of human resources.
The committee will also conduct an oversight visit to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital to assess conditions on the ground, engage with management and healthcare workers, and evaluate the impact of interventions on service delivery.
The committee will closely monitor the use of public funds allocated to healthcare infrastructure to ensure that expenditure is efficient, transparent and aligned with service delivery priorities. Where evidence of maladministration or non‑compliance arises, the committee will not hesitate to engage further with oversight and law‑enforcement institutions in the interest of accountability.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS FAITH MUTHAMBI.
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Yoliswa Landu
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Email: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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