Tembisa is not functioning optimally despite MEC claims, argues DENOSA

The fallout from a R2 billion tender scandal at Tembisa Hospital is deepening, with staff and unions disputing the Gauteng Health Department’s claims that services are running smoothly.

The Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigation into Tembisa Hospital found that a network of businessmen were irregularly awarded tenders amounting to about R2billion.

Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says that the department is strengthening its oversight mechanisms to prevent this level of fraud.

She also insists the hospital is still fully functional despite the looting of R2billion.

However, the Gauteng Provincial Secretary of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), Bongani Mazibuko, says this is not the case.

He says the hospital faces a shortage of staff, shortage of resources, and overcrowding.

“I would not say the reports that the MEC received saying that everything is normal are correct, in fact I would say that is a lie,”he continues.

Staff are reportedly facing shortages of essential resources like medication and syringes, which prevents them from doing their jobs.

“Where we are standing, we believe that the people of Tembisa and surrounding areas are not getting the service that they need.”

To listen to DENOSA Provincial Secretary Bongani Mazibuko in conversation with John Perlman on 702’s Afternoon Drive, click the audio player below: