Gauteng’s public health services are on the brink of collapse due to prolonged post-freezes, halted equipment budgets, and financial constraints. While the Gauteng Department of Health denies that posts are frozen, health workers and policy experts highlight a growing crisis that threatens patient care.
Healthcare professionals in Gauteng warn that prolonged budget cuts are crippling medical services. A public health worker described the situation as a “point of no return,” expressing her intent to leave the sector after 15 years.
According to an internal memo dated March 3, 2025, all sessional worker contracts will be terminated by the end of the month, resulting in a 25% reduction in staff. Since October 2024, the workforce has shrunk by 31% due to post-freezes, illness, and redistribution.
Frozen posts and financial constraints
Since October 2024, a hiring freeze has been in effect across Gauteng’s public health sector, coinciding with a halt on new equipment orders. In February 2025, Gauteng Department of Health Deputy Director-General (DDG) Basani Baloyi reportedly informed hospital CEOs that these measures would continue, preventing sessional worker contract renewals in the new financial year.
Jack Bloom, DA shadow MEC for health, confirmed reports of frozen posts and non-payment of suppliers. He said the department is facing a deficit that could reach R9 billion to R10 billion by the end of March.
The National Treasury recently denied Gauteng Health’s request for R291 million to fill 1,180 critical vacancies, leaving key positions such as heads of surgery, orthopaedics, and anaesthesia unfilled at major hospitals.
Calls for intervention and systemic reform
Russell Rensburg, director of the Rural Health Advocacy Project, urged immediate intervention, suggesting that Gauteng’s health system be placed under national administration. He emphasised that the crisis presents an opportunity to restructure funding distribution, particularly between tertiary hospitals and under-resourced district health services.
Bloom echoed this sentiment, calling for national oversight to prevent further deterioration.
Despite concerns, the Gauteng Department of Health insists that posts are not frozen but that financial constraints necessitate a “cautious approach” to cash flow management. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba confirmed that some clinical and strategic posts were prioritised, with 169 medical officers and 350 community service health workers recently employed.
However, Modiba acknowledged cash flow issues affecting supplier payments and equipment procurement, stating that the department is working to stabilise the situation.
With critical vacancies unfilled, sessional workers removed, and equipment budgets frozen, Gauteng’s public health sector faces an unprecedented crisis. As calls for national intervention grow, the province’s ability to maintain essential healthcare services remains in question.