Costs at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital soar amid controversy over CEO personal protection

In a shocking revelation, security expenditure for Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has skyrocketed to R77 million annually, a staggering increase from R22 million just a decade ago.

This surge comes alongside unsettling questions regarding the hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nthabiseng Makgana, who is reportedly using hospital funds to hire additional personal security guards.

As the Gauteng Health Department grapples with these financial pressures, calls for accountability and transparency are growing louder.

According to Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, Calvin and Family Security Services has been awarded three-year contract valued at R232 million.

This arrangement, which has raised eyebrows, which involves deployment of 275 security personnel, including 248 low-paid Grade C officers.

In her written response to inquiries from  Gauteng Legislature, Nkomo-Ralehoko stated that the appointment process followed all formal bidding protocols.

Despite  official stance, concerns have arisen regarding financial implications of such contracts.

Jack Bloom, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, highlighted that each worker is projected to cost around R23,000 per month, substantially higher than the average salary of Grade C Security Officers, which is approximately R6,000.

“It looks like yet another hospital security rip-off following huge increases in security at other hospitals as well,” Bloom remarked.

He cited the rising security costs at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, which have escalated from R35 million to R72 million over the past three years.

Compounding the issue, Dr. Makgana decision to privately fund her own additional security has raised eyebrows.

In a statement from the Department, it was indicated  Dr Makgana  “has elected, at her own expense, to secure additional protection based on her personal risk assessment and security needs.”

Critics, however, question the necessity of such measures, viewing them as indicative of broader management issues within the hospital.

“A successful CEO would not need to surround herself with extra security,” Bloom added, emphasising the perception of incompetence surrounding Dr. Makgana leadership.