Gauteng Department of Health addresses idle ambulances in Johannesburg

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The Gauteng Provincial Government addressed reports that 41 ambulances purchased by the City of Johannesburg for R1 million each in 2019 remained idle for six years due to a lack of operational approval. Provincial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga stated that the provincial government did not procure or fund these vehicles, noting that the Gauteng Department of Health has been transitioning municipal ambulance services to provincial control since 2009 to meet 2017 EMS Regulations. The City of Johannesburg submitted an application for an EMS operating licence in July 2026, which remains under review by the Gauteng Health head of department.

Consequences

The provincial government intends to engage with the City of Johannesburg to determine the future of the 41 idle vehicles, including the possibility of absorbing them into the provincial fleet. This process aims to resolve bureaucratic delays and prevent further mismanagement of public assets as part of the broader provincialisation of emergency medical services.

Sources

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