Monday, 29 September 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the revelations made today by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in their press conference concerning the looting of Tembisa Hospital. These disclosures confirm that the collapse of public health infrastructure is the result of a criminal alliance between politicians, senior officials, and syndicates., not vulnerable foreign nationals.

During the briefing led by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi, and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the SIU disclosed that three coordinated syndicates have siphoned over R2 billion meant for patient care, procurement, infrastructure, and supply chains. Investigators analysed more than 2,200 procurement bundles tied to Tembisa Hospital and identified systemic fraud, manipulated “three quote” procurement schemes, splitting of contracts to avoid oversight thresholds, collusion among suppliers, and the use of false documentation.

The revelations implicate not only lower-level officials but also figures linked to the highest office in the land. Contracts worth at least R415 million were linked to companies associated with Hangwani Maumela, who is President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew. These irregular contracts were among those flagged by the late whistleblower Babita Deokaran, whose assassination in 2021 was directly tied to her courageous efforts to expose this looting. The SIU also confirmed that more than 15 current and former government officials are under investigation for active involvement in money laundering, bid rigging, and procurement fraud.

Among the syndicates is arrested Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala a crony of Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, already infamous for being named in the criminal syndicate incriminating police officers, the judiciary and top politicians as revealed by Commissioner General Mkhwanazi. Additionally, a Rudolf Mazibuko was also implicated, having gained more than R280 000 000 through a rigged quote system using front companies in a clear case of money laundering.

The picture is, therefore, clear that corruption in healthcare is systemic and protected by those in power. Patients are dying in overcrowded and under-resourced hospitals not because of foreign nationals, but because the money meant to buy beds, medicines, and equipment is looted by politicians and their criminal partners. What happened at Tembisa is happening across South Africa’s health system, where mafias have captured supply chains while government leaders benefit directly.

What remains unclear is how much of these stolen funds have been channelled into the CR17 sealed envelope and used to bankroll the election budgets of the ANC. Until this question is answered, the looting of hospitals cannot be seen in isolation from the political machinery that sustains the ruling party’s grip on power.

We are not shocked, but we are outraged that Babita Deokaran was killed for exposing the truth, that our very own President’s family are implicated in stealing from hospitals while the poor are told there is no budget for healthcare; and that the suffering of our people has been used as an opportunity for elites and syndicates to enrich themselves.

The EFF demands justice for Babita and all other whistleblowers in this case, prosecution of those implicated and their assets seized as well as stolen billions recovered to rebuild public hospitals, and that all those who enabled this looting be exposed.

ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Sinawo Thambo (National Spokesperson) 072 629 7422

Thembi Msane (National Spokesperson) 061 467 8169

Andiswa Madikazi (Parliament Media Liason) 069 516 4924

Thato Lebyane (Media Inquiries) 078 563 1581