Gauteng Spends R46m on Hospital Fireproofing Contracts Linked to Mashatile’s Sons

Gauteng Spends Over R46 Million on Hospital Fireproofing Contracts Linked to Mashatile’s Sons

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has revealed that more than R46 million has been paid over the past three years to two companies contracted to fireproof public hospitals in the province. Despite the large sums, questions remain about the effectiveness of these services, as major hospitals continue to suffer devastating fires.

Millions Paid, But Hospitals Still at Risk

The two firms, Modipadi Nokaneng and the Ngwato and Manzi Group (NMG), collectively received R28.8 million and R17.9 million respectively between 2022/23 and 2024/25. Both companies are now claiming an additional R44 million while continuing to render services.

Concerns have been raised about the value of these contracts, especially since Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital was gutted by fire in 2021 while under the watch of some of these service providers. At the time, no fire detection or suppression systems were installed in the affected block, with only basic extinguishers and hose reels in place.

Failures in fire safety systems, including non-functional smoke doors and stolen hydrant couplings incompatible with Johannesburg fire engines, further highlighted the shortcomings.

Political Links Raise Eyebrows

According to a DA statement, the companies have been linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s sons, Thabiso Mashatile and Tinyiko Mvelase. While the Department insists the companies are separate entities, reports indicate they share staff, resources, and office space.

The DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Dr Jack Bloom, has strongly criticised the contracts, questioning why such large sums are being paid despite “drastic shortcomings” in hospital fire prevention.

“It is suspicious that so much money has been paid to these companies, who are still claiming millions more,” Bloom said. “Not a single hospital is fully compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.”

Hospitals at the Centre of Fire Disasters

Several major facilities—including Charlotte Maxeke, Tembisa, Steve Biko Academic, the Tshwane District, and Carletonville hospitals—have experienced significant fire damage since 2021.

Bloom confirmed that the DA will continue to push for answers in the legislature, including fire safety measures at Tembisa Hospital, which experienced two fires earlier this year.

Call for Accountability

The controversy underscores growing concerns about contract management, political patronage, and public safety in Gauteng’s health sector.

“A DA-run administration would award contracts to the most cost-effective companies that do the job they are paid for,” Bloom said, stressing that lives are at stake when fire safety measures fail.