Health dept in 200 mitha skoloto!

THE Gauteng Health Department (GDoH) owes R225 million to municipalities.

This staggering debt was disclosed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to the Gauteng Legislature.

DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom had asked how much the department owed after concerns that municipalities were not receiving their dues from hospitals across the province.

Bloom said on Monday, 7 April, that this shockingly high amount was blamed on money shortages, invoice problems, and the lack of Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

She said hospitals continued accumulating unpaid bills for essential services such as water, electricity, and waste removal, posing a threat to healthcare and service delivery.

Nkomo-Ralehoko's reply revealed that the largest debt is R160 million owed to the Emfuleni Municipality for the Cost of Employment and Goods and Services, alongside R14,9 million owed to the Midvaal Council.

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"The department says this is because of the "unavailability of active Service Level Agreements" with the two municipalities. Joburg Council is owed R21,6 million for water, waste removal and electricity. This is blamed on late submission of invoices by the council," said Bloom.

Ekurhuleni is owed R17,84 million for services, including R5,7 million by the Far East Rand Hospital, R5,4 million by Pholosong Hospital, and R4 million by Tambo Memorial Hospital due to "cash flow challenges".

A total of R5 million is owed to West Rand municipalities, and R6,11 million to the City of Tshwane.

Bloom pointed out that the councils claim that the amounts they owe are far higher, so these disputes also need to be resolved speedily.

"The DA in Gauteng will continue to push for strict financial management to ensure all suppliers are paid in good time, preferably within 15 days as happens in the DA-run Western Cape," he said.