Phaahla: No new tenders to be issued to replace equipment destroyed in Tembisa Hospital fires
Answering an EWN question on whether the fires signalled a return to corruption, Phaahla said the procurement process would remain unchanged, despite the potential multi-million rand replacement cost.
Firefighters on-site at the Tembisa Hospital following a fire on 23 April 2025. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The health ministry said that no new public tender process would be launched for replacing equipment destroyed in two fires at Tembisa Hospital, with existing suppliers likely to be used.
The fires, which broke out five days apart, have reignited concerns over possible maladministration at the facility, which was at the centre of a scandal flagged by whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who was assassinated after uncovering R850 million in suspicious payments.
There were no injuries, but crucial medical machinery was destroyed and an unconfirmed number of patient files were burnt.
[WATCH] Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla says the same contractors who supplied the hospital with equipment before the fire are likely to be awarded the replacement contracts. No public tender process mentioned.@MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/jrmy46k0Ww
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) April 23, 2025
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla, alongside acting hospital CEO, Dr Rianna Louw, conducted a site visit and briefed the media on the damage and the way forward.
Answering an EWN question on whether the fires signalled a return to corruption, Phaahla said the procurement process would remain unchanged, despite the potential multi-million rand replacement cost.
"It will be possible to use existing suppliers, who supply other hospitals, to source the damaged equipment."
With no CCTV footage from the affected areas, officials said that investigations into the cause could take time.