What the MK Party Is Saying
Accusations of Misused Funds
The MK Party claims that more than R180 million was spent on communication contracts tied to the National Health Insurance (NHI) and other health campaigns. According to spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu, the money was taken from programmes that should have helped doctors work in rural clinics, HIV/AIDS and TB treatment, and school nutrition. He said that R103 million allegedly came from the CUPS grant, which is meant to place doctors in underserved areas, while R65 million was redirected to advertising and billboards.
Questions About the Tender Process
Mahlangu also criticised the way the contracts were awarded under tender NDOH 36/2023‑24. He said bidders were paid R1 620 per transaction with no overall limit, yet later invoices jumped to over R4 million and a single purchase order reached R52 million. He pointed out that departmental spokesperson Foster Mohale allegedly chaired the tender committee, signed delivery notes, and authorised the payments.
Department’s Response
Referral to Investigative Bodies
The National Department of Health said it has forwarded the allegations to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Auditor‑General, and, if needed, the Public Protector. Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla support the referral. Foster Mohale stated that independent institutions should examine the claims to get to the truth.
Denial of Fraud
The department rejects suggestions of fraudulent activity in the contracts and says it will cooperate with any investigation. The Portfolio Committee on Health has noted the allegations and may invite the department to brief MPs on the contracts and the steps being taken.
AfriForum’s View
Concerns About NHI Funding
AfriForum echoed worries about the spending, arguing that the R182 million already spent on marketing raises doubts about how a much larger NHI fund would be managed. Health spokesperson Louis Boshoff said that if irregularities appear before the NHI Act is even in force, there is reason to fear corruption could grow once the system is fully funded.
Questioning the Need for Ads
Boshoff added that the best way to “market” the NHI is by delivering quality healthcare, not by buying billboards and TV spots. He believes the current spending shows a misplaced priority while essential services remain under‑resourced.
What Happens Next?
Investigations Ordered
The SIU, Auditor‑General, and possibly the Public Protector will now look into the contracts, the tender process, and the flow of funds. The MK Party has asked that active payments to KMTV Media and Dots Design Agency be frozen and that officials who approved the purchase orders be examined.
Calls for Accountability
Mahlangu warned that the SIU should not be used as a shield for executive incompetence or political complicity. The MK Party wants Minister Motsoaledi to resign and is urging Parliament to launch a nationwide probe into health procurement across the national and provincial health departments from 2019 to the present.
Conclusion
The controversy over hundreds of millions of rands spent on health‑related advertising has sparked demands for resignations, investigations, and greater transparency. While the Department of Health insists the contracts are proper and has referred the matter to oversight bodies, opposition groups like the MK Party and AfriForum see the spending as a sign of deeper problems in how public health funds are managed. The upcoming investigations will determine whether money meant to improve healthcare was diverted to marketing efforts, and what steps will be taken to prevent similar issues in the future.
