Lesufi demands wider SIU Probe as R2 Billion was looted from Tembisa Hospital
image: Internet
by Kelebogile Matlou
On Monday, September 29, 2025, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi indicated that he would advocate for a broader Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into hospitals around the province. This decision came after an interim SIU report indicated that three organised syndicates stole more than R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni via fraudulent tenders and manipulated negotiations. The funds, which were originally intended for patient care and crucial medical supplies, were diverted into corruption schemes, leaving hospitals with a shortage of medicine and equipment.
Lesufi described the results “damning and disturbing,” promising to honor the legacy of deceased whistleblower Babita Deokaran by rooting out systemic corruption. The interim report, delivered by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and other senior officials, presents a picture of widespread corruption facilitated by poor monitoring and low-level collaboration, with senior management likely turning a blind eye.
The SIU report show that R2.043 billion was taken from Tembisa Hospital between January 2020 and September 2023, with the sum potentially rising to R3 billion as investigations continue. More than 4,500 purchase orders for 207 service providers were fraudulent. Expenditure on hospital supplies increased from R315 million in 2018/2019 to approximately R1 billion in 2021/2022, before decreasing to R255 million in 2023/2024 following public scrutiny.
Corruption schemes included splitting tenders below R500,000 to avoid procurement requirements, utilizing forged quotations, inflating prices, and paying for products that never arrived. Fifteen officials, mostly junior staff, allegedly got R122.23 million in bribes for fabricating paperwork and approving improper payments. The SIU has submitted 116 officials for disciplinary action, 108 instances to the Health Department, 25 items to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and four cases totaling R42.23 million to prosecutors.
The heist was planned by three major syndicates. Under the direction of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nephew, Hangwani Morgan Maumela, the Maumela Syndicate transferred R816.56 million among 41 businesses. A R75 million property in Bantry Bay, Sandton properties, and luxury cars totaling R520 million have been frozen by authorities. Rudolf Mazibuko’s Mazibuko Syndicate took home R283.5 million, while Syndicate X embezzled R596.42 million, of which R150 million was hidden. Millions more were added by smaller networks, demonstrating the extent of the corruption.
Lesufi vowed to extend the investigation beyond Tembisa Hospital, noting unexpected purchase hikes at other facilities. He emphasized that corruption must be eradicated, regardless of whether it occurs at the entry or managerial level. “We will stop at nothing to ensure accountability,” he said.
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Health Minister, criticized the inhumane greed of individuals who stole from patients. The DA’s Jack Bloom advocated for quick prosecutions, but civil society organizations such as OUTA pushed for action rather than delays. Public outrage has also grown, with locals demanding arrests and the return of stolen funds used to repair poor hospitals.
