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More than R1.2 billion spent for construction of the new 250 bed hospital in Middelberg has been halted due to alleged corrupt elements. Mpumalanga Premier, is Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, must explain how her government plans to fix the situation and provide basic healthcare to the people of Mpumalanga which forms part of her core business.

Mpumalanga Provincial Government commissioned the building of this hospital in 2017 to replace Middelburg Provincial Hospital which could no longer meet the demands of the residents in the community.

The hospital, which was set to be completed in early 2020, is, to date, only 58% complete with the continuously shifting goalposts at the expense of the taxpayer. 

ActionSA can confirm that the construction of the new hospital has been halted pending investigation by the Auditor-General (A-G).  According to the A-G report, the Project Management Service providers withdrew after AGSA made several adverse findings.  

South Africa’s public infrastructure agenda has been captured at almost all levels and this cannot be acceptable. Policies have been corrupted, contracts have been given to unqualified politically connected “BEE” contractors and incompetent cadres have been appointed to manage critical assets. 

South Africans deserve a government that has the political will and decisiveness to end corruption and maladministration that erodes the state’s ability to provide services to the millions of South Africans who so desperately need them.  

Government contracts must be awarded on merit – not based on race and political connectedness to those linked to the ANC leadership. 

ActionSA firmly believes that a completely new government is needed to end this kleptocratic culture.  

Issued by ActionSA Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson Thoko Mashiane