Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
27 May 2025 | 10:45 CAT

Gauteng hospitals’ soaring security costs raise alarm — from R655 million to R2.5 billion in three years, prompting urgent calls for transparency and accountability.

The Gauteng Health Department is facing tough questions following the revelation that its hospital security costs have surged from R655 million in 2022 to an eye-watering R2.5 billion in 2025.

This drastic spike has ignited outrage, with the DA’s Jack Bloom calling for urgent scrutiny. “There is simply no way a six-fold increase in security spending can be justified by inflation or rising wages alone,” Bloom said in an interview. “We’re now paying R25,000 per guard, but many are taking home just R6,000. That gap raises red flags.”

The Department attributes the hike to a reassessment of hospital security needs and rising industry rates, but Bloom remains unconvinced. “The annual increase in security guard wages is around 7.6%. That does not explain a R1.9 billion jump in three years.”

Even more disturbing are reports of security companies failing to pay workers’ salaries and pension contributions. “There’s been a court ruling against one company for not paying over pension funds. Others haven’t paid workers in months,” Bloom revealed, citing protests at Tembisa Hospital.

Security contracts, originally signed in 2016 for two years, were irregularly extended month-to-month for nearly eight years—a practice the Auditor General repeatedly flagged. “We’re dealing with expired contracts, renewed unlawfully for years, and questionable companies profiting enormously while workers suffer,” said Bloom.

One such contract involved a R240 million deal to guard Charlotte Maxeke Hospital over three years. “That’s over R70 million a year for one hospital,” Bloom said. “We need to know: is this really securing our hospitals or lining pockets?”

Calls are growing for a comprehensive audit of the tender process and contract beneficiaries. “The same companies keep cropping up across different hospitals. It smells of corruption. We need the Auditor General to intervene and investigate thoroughly.”

While acknowledging the need for improved hospital security—particularly in high-risk areas like casualty departments and psychiatric wards—Bloom insists spending must be proportionate and transparent. “Gauteng’s R66 billion health budget is already under pressure. Every cent should go toward quality care, not dodgy contracts.”

With billions at stake, citizens and oversight bodies alike are demanding answers—and accountability.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annisa Essack and Jack Bloom.