The Democratic Alliance (DA) is sounding the alarm over a growing crisis in Johannesburg’s public health system, where clinics and environmental health services are failing and lives are put at risk.
According to the latest oversight report tabled in Council for the City of Johannesburg’s Health and Social Development Department, looking at July to September 2025, the City has stripped the Health Department of the very resources required to function.
The DA calls on the Executive to urgently explain how a department that received capital allocations this year has been left without operational funding and why vital projects can only continue “when budget is available.”
No budget was allocated for operational capital in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years. This decision creates serious risks for the City’s 76 clinics and environmental health offices.
The City of Johannesburg’s Health Department is not failing — it is being failed.
Nurses are unable to uphold their professional pledge and ethical code and the City now faces possible legal claims for negligence, malpractice or preventable deaths.
Another R19 million was removed through previous “rebasing,” leaving staff demoralised and facilities deteriorating. Projects have ground to a halt and invoices remain unpaid.
Basic service-level agreements can’t be signed because the City simply doesn’t have the cash.
Our frontline healthcare workers cannot continue performing miracles with no tools, no support and no budget.
The DA will continue to hold this Executive accountable until every resident has access to the dignified, reliable healthcare they deserve.