“The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has written to Health MEC Sasekani Manzini demanding urgent action to fill critical vacancies and address severe equipment and infrastructure shortages at Embhuleni District Hospital,” said Bosman Grobler, MPL — DA Spokesperson on Health, Mpumalanga Legislature.
Key findings and stats
- Staff Nurses: required 78 — currently 5 (94% vacancy)
- Professional Nurses: required 149 — currently 117 (21% vacancy)
- Medical Officers: required 39 — currently 14 (64% vacancy)
- Service footprint: Gert Sibande District, including an estimated 248,000 residents of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality
As part of the ongoing Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme, the Portfolio Committee on Health, chaired by Munene Mhlongo, conducted an oversight visit to Embhuleni Hospital to evaluate healthcare access and project implementation. The hospital, founded in 1982 and marking 42 years, shows a stark contrast between its history and current operational challenges.
Presentations by Department Head Dr. Lucas Ndhlovu and Chief Director Dr. Sheryl Nelson confirmed that:
Medication supply is generally sufficient, but physical and operational infrastructure is deteriorating.
Critical shortages of medical equipment and surgical consumables, including laryngoscope bulbs and various-sized airways.
Shortages of basic consumables and PPE, and emergency trolleys lacking oxygen, defibrillator, suction and airway management tools.
Missing internal signage, lack of soap and towel dispensers, leaking pipes, roof damage, and potholes on hospital grounds.
- Long patient waiting periods due to an insufficient workforce.
Board and administrative notes Sitani Nkosi, Chairperson of the Hospital Board, reported improvements and ongoing concerns:
- A new filing system has reduced missing patient files.
- Four new doctors have been appointed, stabilising emergency services and reducing outsourcing costs.
- The board is conducting surprise visits to monitor staff performance and executive accountability.
- However, committee members raised concerns about administrative discrepancies: some executive members remain on the payroll despite suspensions being lifted but have not returned to duty.
Committee demands and department response The Portfolio Committee demanded:
- Immediate filling of vacancies to reduce wait times and nurse fatigue.
- Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including replacement of old piping, improved disability access, and installation of surveillance cameras.
- Reinstatement of suspended employees cleared to return and a new strategy for engagement with labour unions.
Dr. Ndhlovu reported that 37 artisans have been deployed to begin renovations and equipment installation. He noted the financial logic of maintaining and optimising existing facilities when beds are under-utilised at smaller hospitals.
Accountability and deadline The committee has required the hospital and the Provincial Department of Health to submit a formal mitigation report addressing all raised concerns by 04/07/2026.
Impact and DA call to action The DA reiterates that failing to urgently address staffing, equipment and infrastructure shortages will perpetuate overcrowding, poor patient outcomes, longer waiting times, delayed diagnoses and staff burnout. The DA calls on MEC Sasekani Manzini to prioritise immediate recruitment of nursing staff and medical officers, procurement of essential equipment and consumables, and full infrastructure refurbishments to restore safe, timely care for the community.