Health department asks SIU, AG and Public Protector to probe alleged ‘inflated’ NHI advertising contracts

The Department of Health has referred allegations of inflated National Health Insurance (NHI) advertising contracts to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Auditor‑General and the Public Protector, after media reports said some contracts grew from R1 620 to R146 million and allegedly drained funds from HIV/AIDS and other programmes.

Allegations escalated to independent investigators

Health department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the department had asked neutral institutions to investigate the claims.

“We welcome the involvement of neutral institutions. This matter cannot be settled through press statements and counter‑statements. We want the truth established beyond doubt,”

Mohale said.

Mohale also challenged some reported figures as implausible, saying

“that the state does not even issue tenders for such small amounts.”

Ministers back call for probes and deny personal links

Although Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is on sick leave, he and Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla jointly endorsed the request for investigations, saying the allegations attempted to link them personally to corruption.

Both ministers acknowledged knowing KMTV Media owner Khathu Mamaila for decades because of his journalism career, and they denied any improper relationship.

Department flags internal reviews and possible leaks

The department said acting Director‑General Nicholas Crisp was already probing irregular staff appointments and procurement matters that had been flagged by the Auditor‑General and the Public Service Commission.

Mohale suggested some individuals under investigation might be trying to limit their exposure by releasing selective documents.

“We believe some of these so‑called whistleblowers are trying to shield themselves from accountability. That is why independent scrutiny is vital,”

he said.

Health communication defended

Mohale emphasised that the contracts covered broader health communication campaigns, not only promotion of the NHI. He said these efforts target multiple health challenges and are necessary prevention work.

He was quoted as saying:

“These adverts are critical to fight HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, smoking, alcohol abuse, diabetes, and cancer. Companies spend billions advertising harmful products. We cannot fold our arms while diseases are being sold to the public. Health communication is not a luxury, it is a necessity,”

and added,

“It is far more expensive to sit back and allow people to get sick than to invest in prevention.”

Next steps

The department has invited independent investigators to establish the facts. The referrals to the SIU, the Auditor‑General and the Public Protector indicate a formal escalation as the claims are examined.