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“I Don’t Have Eight Months”: Gauteng Cancer Patient Caught in Surgery Backlog Crisis

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3 months ago

June 3, 2025

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In the heart of Gauteng, a man is sitting in pain, waiting. He has cancer. A lump on his cheek makes it hard to eat or even speak. And if he doesn’t get surgery soon, that lump could take his life.

But instead of receiving care, he’s been told he might wait another six to eight months for his turn in the operating room at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. His story isn’t unique. He’s just one of over 34,000 patients waiting for surgery across Gauteng’s crumbling public healthcare system.

Trapped in a System That’s Slowing Down

According to figures released by Gauteng health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the province is grappling with a severe surgical backlog. But for the people behind those numbers, this is more than a statistic—it’s the difference between life and death.

This particular patient, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, needs surgery to remove the growth that’s now spreading. It’s painful. It’s growing. It could choke him. Doctors planned to insert a feeding tube and stent to help him eat and breathe. But the procedure was postponed again.

“They told me the surgeon was attending to another hospital,” he explained in frustration. “I have to wait—again. I was told it could be months.”

A One-Theatre Hospital with Hundreds in Line

Salomé Meyer, director of the Cancer Alliance, is sounding the alarm. She says the patient’s case is urgent—but hospitals don’t have the capacity to respond in time.

“There’s only one theatre and one ICU at the hospital,” she said. “Emergency cases from car crashes and gunshot wounds push everyone else down the queue.”

But cancer doesn’t wait. And this patient can’t wait either. Meyer says her organisation is now raising funds to get the man treated privately—because his life depends on it.

Where’s the Money Going?

The Gauteng health budget sits at R66 billion, and last year, R784 million was meant to help reduce backlogs. But a large chunk—R250 million earmarked for cancer care—wasn’t even used, according to Meyer.

“So now they’re spending what’s left on radiation treatments,” she added. “But what about surgical patients? Where did that money go?”

Meyer believes the real crisis lies in staff shortages, equipment issues, and the tragic fact that some surgeries—like many cancer removals—are labeled as “non-urgent,” even when patients’ lives hang in the balance.

The Numbers Are Alarming

While Charlotte Maxeke has over 3,300 patients on its surgical list, it’s not alone.
Here’s a look at other hospitals in Gauteng facing similar backlogs:

Steve Biko Hospital: 6,764 patients
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital: 6,232 patients
Dr George Mukhari Hospital: 5,354 patients
Sebokeng Hospital: 2,870 patients
Helen Joseph Hospital: 2,623 patients
Mamelodi Hospital: 2,016 patients

And for some patients, like those at Kalafong Hospital, hip surgery could mean a five-year wait.

Health Department’s Denial Adds Salt to the Wound

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the Gauteng Department of Health denies there is a crisis. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said that a waiting list and a backlog are not the same thing.

But critics like DA Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom argue that’s a technical dodge. “Last year, they said the waiting list was reduced to 24,000. Now it’s back to 34,000. The trend is going the wrong way,” he said.

Bloom’s concern is that even surgical blitzes can’t address the long-term issues: poor planning, budget mismanagement, and failure to hire enough skilled staff. “We need proper systems, not patchwork solutions,” he added.

The Cost of Inaction Is Measured in Lives

Back in his home, the cancer patient is still waiting. His pain is worse. He can’t eat much. He can’t talk properly. He’s unsure if he’ll live long enough to get the help he needs from the very system designed to save him.

“I’m not asking for luxury. I’m asking for a chance to breathe, to live,” he said.

The Gauteng health system is clearly under pressure. But behind every number in a report is a real person—fighting to survive.

We can’t let their voices be ignored.

If you or someone you know is affected by the public health crisis in Gauteng, speak up, get involved, or support organisations like the Cancer Alliance that are working to close the gaps where government has failed.

Because no one should have to wait to breathe.