By Loxion News Reporter
A deepening leadership crisis is unfolding within Gauteng’s public healthcare system, with 13 out of 37 hospitals currently operating without permanent Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), raising serious concerns about governance, accountability, and patient care.
The alarming revelation was made by Faith Mazibuko in a written response to questions posed in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
One in Three Hospitals Without Stable Leadership
According to the response, more than a third of Gauteng’s public hospitals are being run by acting CEOs, some for extended periods of time.
Among the most concerning cases:
- Pholosong Hospital – vacant CEO post since July 2021
- Tembisa Hospital – acting CEO since August 2022
- Kalafong Hospital – acting CEO since December 2022
- Pretoria West Hospital – acting CEO since February 2023
- Tambo Memorial Hospital – acting CEO since October 2024
- Sebokeng Hospital – CEO position vacant since November 2024
Other major facilities affected include:
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
- Helen Joseph Hospital
- Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital
- Jubilee Hospital
- Tshwane District Hospital
- Heidelberg Hospital
Broken Promises and Mounting Pressure
The issue has reignited criticism of Panyaza Lesufi, who previously pledged that all hospital CEO posts would be permanently filled by December 2021.
However, years later, critical leadership positions remain vacant—raising questions about the province’s ability to deliver on its healthcare commitments.
Impact on Healthcare Delivery
Healthcare experts and opposition leaders warn that prolonged reliance on acting leadership undermines long-term planning and stability in already strained institutions.
Jack Bloom has criticised the situation, arguing that acting CEOs regardless of competence, cannot provide the sustained leadership required to turn around struggling hospitals.
The leadership vacuum is reportedly contributing to:
- Poor service delivery
- Long patient waiting times
- Declining healthcare standards
- Weak accountability structures
Tembisa Hospital Case Raises Further Concerns
The situation at Tembisa Hospital has drawn particular attention following the suspension of former CEO Ashley Mthunzi in August 2022 over tender corruption allegations. Mthunzi later passed away in April 2024, yet the position remains unfilled.
This has intensified concerns about governance failures and delays in appointing permanent leadership in key institutions.
Why Positions Remain Vacant
According to the Gauteng Health Department, the vacancies stem from:
- Resignations
- Transfers
- Promotions
- Deaths
However, critics argue that delays in filling these posts point to deeper systemic issues within the department.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has vowed to intensify oversight and push for the urgent appointment of qualified and permanent CEOs across all affected hospitals.
The party maintains that strong leadership is essential to stabilise the healthcare system and improve patient outcomes.
Public Confidence at Risk
With Gauteng’s public healthcare system already under pressure, the absence of permanent leadership in key hospitals threatens to erode public trust further.
Residents continue to rely on these facilities for critical services, making effective governance and accountability more important than ever.
