SIU names at least 15 Gauteng Health officials in Tembisa hospital tender scandal

The Special Investigating Unit has identified at least 15 current and former Gauteng health officials allegedly involved in a sprawling looting scheme at Tembisa Hospital. According to the SIU, these individuals facilitated bid‑rigging, improper tender awards and money‑laundering in connection with irregular procurement contracts spanning 2020 to 2023.

Investigators traced irregularities through more than 2 200 procurement bundles, covering 4 501 purchase orders across over 200 service providers. The report highlights a network of syndicates, including the so-called Maumela and Mazibuko groups, which allegedly exploited the hospital’s tender process to siphon off around R2 billion intended for medical services and infrastructure. Luxury properties, vehicles and other high‑value assets linked to the syndicates underscore the scale of the alleged theft.

Advocate Andy Mothibi, head of the SIU, revealed that unlawful payments linked to these contracts total at least R122 million. To date, 116 disciplinary referrals have been prepared against 13 officials, with 108 submitted to the Gauteng Department of Health for action. One hospital employee has already been arrested and returned approximately R13.5 million in illicit funds, though investigators warn this represents only a fraction of the alleged gains.

The SIU says the corruption relied on falsified three‑quote procurement processes, enabling the syndicates to mask kickbacks and bypass official tender thresholds. The findings expose a deep governance crisis within the hospital and the broader provincial health department, highlighting the urgent need for stronger oversight and accountability.

The Gauteng health authorities have promised reforms, including tighter financial controls, audits of procurement procedures and enhanced monitoring of supply chains. As investigations proceed, the public remains wary that essential funds meant for healthcare services were instead diverted, threatening both patient care and confidence in public institutions.