The Public Protector has found that the Gauteng Departments of Health and Infrastructure failed to act urgently after the 2021 fire at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. The delays hindered the restoration of critical health services. Advocate Kholeka Gxaleka described the conduct as improper and called for lifestyle audits.
The report, released on 22 May 2026, highlights a lack of coordination between the two departments. Gxaleka noted a recurring pattern of bureaucratic conflicts that led to inefficient use of public resources.
The Public Protector recommended that the Gauteng Premier extend ongoing risk and lifestyle audits to officials handling supply chain and financial management. Outcomes should be reported to the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Gxaleka also urged measures to ensure clean and open governance in the province. The findings focus solely on post-fire response failures at the hospital.
