Mapaballo Borotho
Health MEC in Gauteng, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, says repairs to the fire-damaged parts of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital will be completed in August 2026; however, there’s no budget for the R1.7 billion that is required for fire compliance to prevent future fire incidents.
Nkomo-Ralehoko disclosed this in a written response to questions raised by the DA’s Jack Bloom at the Gauteng Legislature.
“The Department has completed the initiation/prefeasibility report, and the concept/feasibility report for facility-wide fire compliance was approved. The Department is exploring several funding options while also exploring private investment for the project. To this end, a business case is being completed,” she said.
The fire-damaged section at the hospital was gutted by flames in April 2021, allegedly due to arson.
Bloom says this is unacceptable and would never be tolerated in the private sector. He says there is still a shortage of 700 parking bays, which is why parking is a major problem for patients and staff.
“The MEC says the parking bays will be reopened as soon as construction has advanced to the state where the reopening will not endanger the lives and property of staff and patients.
“Patients suffer as they are moved between areas as the repairs take place, and they walk long distances because of the severe parking shortage,” said Bloom.
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