Parliament, Wednesday, 30 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Ms Faith Muthambi, has noted with concern media reports alleging that the Department of Health has diverted funds earmarked for critical healthcare programmes including HIV/AIDS, TB, child nutrition and NHI-related initiatives to communication and marketing contracts.
Ms Muthambi said, “These allegations raise serious questions about the management and use of public resources intended for healthcare services.”
The committee welcomes the Department of Health’s decision to refer the matter to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Auditor-General and, if necessary, the Public Protector for investigation. It will not pre-empt the outcome of these processes.
Ms Muthambi said she would ask the committee to consider inviting the department to appear before it and provide a full briefing on the allegations, the nature of the contracts in question and the steps being taken to establish the facts.
The committee will continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities to promote accountability and transparency and to protect resources allocated to critical healthcare programmes.
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
Cell: 081 497 4694
Email: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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