Portfolio committee calls for swift action following SIU report on Tembisa Hospital loot

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Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has expressed concerns over misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) released its interim report on Monday.

The report on the SIU’s investigation into allegations of maladministration at Tembisa Hospital revealed at least three coordinated syndicates involving officials and service providers who were responsible for the looting of over R2 billion.

The findings show that at least 15 current and former officials were involved in activities ranging from corruption, money laundering and collusion to bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers.

#TembisaHospitalCapture| ANTICIPATED COMPLETION OF THE INVESTIGATION
The SIU anticipates that the investigation will be completed by November 2027.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF WHISTLEBLOWERS AND THEIR PROTECTION
The SIU acknowledges the importance of information and evidence provided by…

— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) September 29, 2025

According to the SIU, the number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues.

Dr Dhlomo said the committee views these findings as serious and very concerning.

He said that the findings reveal acts of criminality, which are a profound breach of public confidence and an unacceptable diversion of much-needed health resources from the most vulnerable members of society.

The Chairperson welcomed the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify implicated officials and recover stolen funds. “Some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity, and there must be consequences. Such criminality cannot go unpunished,” he said.

Dr Dhlomo also welcomed the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority and other law enforcement agencies.

Committee to monitor progress

The Chairperson said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation.

“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored.”
 
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He added; “The law should take its course for those implicated. The committee will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that such abuses are not repeated and that the integrity of the health system is safeguarded in the interest of all South Africans.”