More than R353m spent so far on repairs to Charlotte Maxeke hospital, Motsoaledi says

Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has told Parliament that R353,669,357.83 has been spent to date on repair and restoration work at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, which was gutted by a fire.

How the money was used

Motsoaledi said the expenditure covers a range of activities including professional services, demolition, structural rehabilitation, temporary works, specialist investigations, replacement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and associated construction activities.

The minister provided a breakdown of the total amount spent since the project began:

• Professional service provider fees: R20,923,176.12
• Construction costs: R153,485,247.08
• Propping costs: R163,225,488.10
• Implementing agent fees: R16,035,446.53

Progress and timelines

According to Motsoaledi, spending has progressed since the 2022/2023 financial year and rose sharply as reconstruction intensified. He said that as at 1 June 2026, approximately 75% of the planned remedial infrastructure works have been completed.

The minister said completed work includes structural repairs and the demolition and reconstruction of fire-damaged areas, along with installation of building services and phased reinstatement of clinical levels.

Outstanding work

Motsoaledi said remaining repairs are focused on the parts of the hospital that suffered the worst fire damage. He listed outstanding tasks as brickwork, surface beds, mechanical and electrical services, internal finishes on the more severely affected floors, commissioning and regulatory compliance processes.

On projected completion dates, Motsoaledi cautioned they depend on factors beyond the department’s direct control and gave conditional timelines: 30 September 2026 for levels 6 to 9 and 30 November 2026 for levels 1 to 5, “subject to the continued availability of funding, timely payment of certified invoices, and the absence of unforeseen structural discoveries or other project risks”.

Stronger oversight after Public Protector findings

In response to questions that referenced findings by the Public Protector about delays, Motsoaledi said his department had introduced measures to tighten oversight and accountability. He described enhanced governance as including regular project steering committee meetings involving the National Department of Health, Gauteng Department of Health, CMJAH Management and the implementing agent.

He said monitoring of the project has been strengthened through monthly progress reporting against approved milestones, continuous project controls, risk management and cost monitoring, and ongoing technical oversight and quality assurance inspections. Motsoaledi added that contract administration had been tightened with closer monitoring of procurement and payment processes to minimise further delays.