Renewed scrutiny dogs Gauteng health’s leadership after Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko publicly defended her former head of department (HOD), Lesiba Malotana, despite a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) lifestyle audit flagging him as “high risk.”This situation highlights the Gauteng Health Turmoil as the province faces pressure over both governance and patient care. Additionally, it adds fuel to an already heated political moment in Gauteng.
Gauteng Health Turmoil: MEC Doubles Down On Malotana
Nkomo-Ralehoko described Malotana as “the best the department has ever had.” She claimed critics victimised and singled him out, arguing that the audit also considered other senior officials high risk.
Her defence persists despite reports that an SIU lifestyle audit linked Malotana to roughly R1.6m in questionable ATM cash deposits. Investigators now suspect a connection between these funds and alleged looting at Tembisa Hospital. Consequently, the SIU has sought to further investigate his financial affairs.
Why Malotana is Back in Government Work
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi suspended Malotana after the lifestyle audit concerns surfaced. But Malotana has since returned to work. The Premier redeployed him as a senior manager in the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs after his 60-day precautionary suspension period lapsed and authorities laid charges.
The provincial government has also pushed back on claims that disciplinary action had stalled. Lesufi’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, has said formal disciplinary hearings are underway, with Malotana’s next hearing reportedly scheduled for March. The government says officials have moved into other roles because the risk of interference decreased once investigators largely completed their work.
Gauteng Health Turmoil: Fallout From the HOD Change
Claims that Nkomo-Ralehoko fought to install Malotana as HOD upon taking office in 2023 sharpen the controversy. Reports indicate Malotana’s predecessor, Dr Nomonde Nolutshungu, plans to sue the provincial government for R3.7m. She alleges officials pressured her to resign, promising the government would “take care of” her until redeployment—an undertaking she says they never honoured. While Nkomo-Ralehoko disputes the claim's status and insists Nolutshungu withdrew it, insiders question her account.
Beds, Overcrowding, and a Media Ban Threat
In the same set of remarks, the MEC also rejected claims of an overcrowding crisis in provincial hospitals. She argued the department is managing demand through bed purchases, hospital clustering, and a referral approach that diverts ambulances to facilities with capacity. Furthermore, she went further, claiming some patients “prefer” sleeping on the floor and accused journalists of pushing a misleading narrative. She now wants to bar media from taking pictures in hospitals.
For healthcare leaders, the combined governance allegations, staffing instability, and public messaging on overcrowding signal a trust challenge. Gauteng Health Leadership Turmoil is no longer just a political story. It is a system-confidence story, with implications for accountability, patient experience, and the credibility of reform. claims.
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