Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
14 May 2025 | 11:10 CAT

Jack Bloom of the DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC mentioned the shortage of yoghurt, red meat and vegetables in the last few months at Charlotte Mexeke Hospital. (Source – News24)

Claims of hunger at one of Gauteng’s flagship medical facilities, the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, have sparked widespread concern and prompted public scrutiny over the hospital’s operations. This comes amid revelations that some doctors have not received salaries for up to three months.

While the Gauteng Department of Health has denied that patients went without meals, DA MPL Jack Bloom insists otherwise, saying patients and doctors reached out to him directly. “The hospital itself has admitted that the food problem began in mid-April,” Bloom told Radio Islam International. “That’s more than three weeks. Can you imagine? People recovering from illness were fed porridge up to three times a day—without sugar or tea.”

Although the Department claims it ensured three daily meals through contingency orders for in-house cooking, Bloom argued the measures were woefully insufficient. “The CEO herself admitted they don’t have the capacity to cook three meals daily. They usually only prepare breakfast,” he stated.

The crisis began when Masakani Food Factory, the hospital’s usual meal provider, ceased operations due to E. coli contamination—an issue reportedly linked to water supplied by the Tshwane Council. “Instead of seeking alternative food suppliers, the hospital tried to manage the crisis cheaply,” Bloom said. “At the end of the day, patients got little more than pap and porridge. That’s a disgrace.”

Bloom further pointed to the hospital’s CEO, Ms. Gladys Boghossian, as bearing ultimate responsibility. “She’s been CEO for 12 years, yet this hospital is repeatedly in crisis—from the fire years ago to this current food disaster. Staff no longer trust her, and when trust is lost, leadership must change.”

He criticised the wider provincial health department for failing to place competent leaders in key positions. “This isn’t just about food. It’s about basic dignity. Patients couldn’t even take medication because they lacked food. And still—no accountability, just poor excuses.”

As the crisis deepens, calls grow louder for a leadership overhaul to restore confidence and deliver the basic care all patients deserve.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Jack Bloom here.