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Today, Friday 21 November 2014, the sheriff of Johannesburg came to the offices of the Gauteng Department of Health with the intention to remove state property.

However; when, together with the Sheriff, the department verified the outstanding claims it was confirmed that these were paid.

The department had on numerous occasions written to the sheriff to seek clarity on the outstanding claims, with no response. When this morning the sheriff eventually brought details of the claims, it was confirmed that most of these had already been paid.

An amicable resolution was reached and the department requested that the lines of communications be always open between all parties concerned in the interest of the claimants – the patients. The department is also reconciling all outstanding claims with a view to make payments as early as next week.

The MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu is concerned that the conduct of the Sheriff seems to suggest that they are collaborating with the opposition and their intentions are not noble. We have always maintained that the legal actions against the department have less to do with the interest of the patients. For instance, Austin’s company has been paid over R47 million (R47 355 696.27) over two years.

The department has no intention to disregard court decisions and/or disadvantage claimants. An official has been assigned to liaise directly with the state attorney, including the sheriff, so that no delays occur. Also, a protocol has been developed to ensure early payment for all claims following court decisions.

The department is also seeking advice from both the Law Society and the South African Board for Sheriffs on the unbecoming conduct that borders on political grandstanding.

Issued by Gauteng Health