Tag Archives: Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo

A grave concern over SIU findings at Tembisa Hospital

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Picture: Tembisa Hospital

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 September 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, today expressed grave concern over findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which show the misappropriation of over R2 billion intended for healthcare services at Tembisa Hospital.

The SIU released its interim report on Monday.

Dhlomo said the report on the SIU’s investigation into allegations of maladministration at Tembisa Hospital revealed at least three coordinated syndicates involving officials and service providers who were responsible for the looting of over R2 billion. He said the findings show that at least 15 current and former officials were involved in activities ranging from corruption, money laundering and collusion to bid rigging with improperly appointed service providers.

“According to the SIU, the number of identified officials is expected to rise as the investigation continues. The committee views these findings as serious and very concerning.

“The findings reveal acts of criminality, which are a profound breach of public confidence and an unacceptable diversion of much-needed health resources from the most vulnerable members of society,” said Dhlomo..

He further said they welcome the SIU’s ongoing efforts to identify implicated officials and recover stolen funds. Dhlomo added that some of these officials supported the syndicates with impunity and there must be consequences.

“Such criminality cannot go unpunished. We also welcome the referral of matters to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other law enforcement agencies.

“The committee will monitor the progress of this closely to ensure that accountability is upheld at all levels. It is only through decisive corrective action that public confidence in the healthcare system can be restored,” he said.

Dhlomo said the committee will engage with the Department of Health and the SIU to receive further briefings on the findings and progress of this investigation. He said the law should take its course for those implicated.

“The committee will continue to exercise its oversight role to ensure that such abuses are not repeated and that the integrity of the health system is safeguarded in the interest of all South Africans,” said Dhlomo.

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Committee on Health welcomes findings of Section 59 investigation panel

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Picture: Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi

By AGISANANG SCUFF  

8 July 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, said he welcomes the findings of the Section 59 investigation panel, which has uncovered systemic racial discrimination in the implementation of fraud, waste and abuse systems by medical schemes and administrators. Dhlomo said the report paints a concerning picture of the disproportionate impact that medical schemes’ fraud, waste and abuse systems have had on black healthcare providers. 

He said the statistical evidence presented by the panel’s expert, clearly demonstrates that black providers were significantly more likely to be found guilty of fraud, waste and abuse compared to their non-black counterparts. Dhlomo said the panel’s analysis revealed that across the three major schemes investigated – Discovery, GEMS and Medscheme – black providers were between 1.5 to 3.5 times more likely to be identified as guilty of fraud, waste and abuse. 

“In certain disciplines, such as physiotherapy, psychology and social work, the risk ratios for black providers were even higher, reaching up to 12 times more likely to be found guilty. These findings are deeply troubling and point to systemic flaws in the design and implementation of the fraud, waste and abuse systems. 

“It is unacceptable that black healthcare providers have been subjected to such blatantly discriminatory treatment, which has undoubtedly had a devastating impact on their livelihoods and the communities they serve,” he said.

Dhlomo said the committee commends the panel for its thorough and independent investigation and welcomes the recommendations made to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) to ensure the ongoing monitoring of the fraud, waste and abuse systems to prevent further discriminatory outcomes. He stated that he is in discussions with the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi about the report. 

“The aim is to ensure that the Minister, the Department of Health, and the entities that the committee oversees and that have been implicated will be invited to provide a briefing to the committee on the findings, outcomes and recommendations presented in the report.

“We cannot allow such systemic discrimination to continue unchecked, as it undermines the transformation of the healthcare sector and the constitutional right to equality,” said Dhlomo.

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‘Alarming rise of medico-legal claims against healthcare system a concern’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 August 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has expressed his unequivocal support for the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the alarming rise of medico-legal claims against the healthcare system. Dhlomo said this investigation is not merely a procedural exercise, but a critical step towards restoring integrity, accountability and trust within the health sector.

He further said the backdrop of this investigation is deeply concerning. Dhlomo added that since 2015, they have witnessed an unprecedented surge in medico-legal claims, with figures reaching staggering amounts that threaten the sustainability of the healthcare system.

“The findings presented by the SIU reveal a disturbing pattern of fraudulent claims, unethical practices and collusion among legal practitioners, healthcare professionals and even some officials within our system.

“Such actions not only undermine the credibility of our healthcare services, but also divert essential resources away from patient care. The SIU’s investigation has uncovered numerous instances of malpractice, including claims that are not only inflated but, in some cases, entirely fabricated,” he said.

For instance, said Dr Dhlomo, the revelation of claims for millions of rands based on supposed medical negligence that never occurred. He said it is unacceptable that individuals and families who genuinely require support and compensation for legitimate grievances are being exploited by unscrupulous actors seeking personal gain.

“The implications of these findings are profound. Firstly, they highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within our medico-legal framework. We must address the root causes of this crisis, including the need for improved patient safety protocols, better record-keeping practices, and enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients.

“The recommendations from the 2015 Medico-Legal Claims Summit remain relevant, and we must revisit and implement these solutions with urgency. The Department of Health must continue with the good practices of fire drills and more retraining of healthcare professionals to reduce negligence,” said Dhlomo.

However, he said the fundamental threat to this is ensuring that all records and files are captured electronically. Dhlomo said it is in this space that they can mitigate the risks associated with the physical handling of files, which are often vulnerable to theft, whether by healthcare professionals or lawyers from their hospitals.

“If those records are kept electronically, we will see a significant reduction in fraudulent claims, especially when coupled with fire drills. He stressed that fire drills are a mock exercise as if the situation is happening for real, preparing healthcare professionals to be ready when the situation happens for real.

“This preparation is essential in fostering a culture of safety and accountability within our healthcare system. Secondly, the legal ramifications of the SIU’s dings cannot be overstated,” he said.

Dhlomo said the referral of implicated attorneys and healthcare professionals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal charges signifies a robust response to corruption and fraud within the system. He said it sends a clear message that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated and that those who exploit the healthcare system for personal gain will face the full force of the law.

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