Salary Delays Affect Gauteng Radiographers as Department Cites Administrative Hold-Up

Delayed Salaries for Diagnostic Radiographers in Gauteng

Thirteen newly appointed diagnostic radiographers at Gauteng health facilities experienced significant salary delays after taking up their posts earlier this year. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed the issue on Wednesday, citing the provincial approval process as the root cause.

Background on the Appointments

The health department stated that the affected staff signed formal contracts and written offers on 18 May 2026. These administrative steps were completed prior to their official start date, in accordance with the usual recruitment procedures.

According to the department, the delay occurred while officials conducted a review of the Compensation of Employees budget. This process covered all advertised, filled, and vacant posts for the 2026/27 financial year. The intent of the assessment was to ensure enough funds were available to cover salary commitments for the rest of the financial year and to avoid unauthorised expenditures.

Approval and Payment Timeline

The department finalised the matter in late October 2026, with the appointments officially captured and approved in the salary payment system on 28 October 2026. Employees who had not yet received payment were advised to stay home until the issue was resolved. The department acknowledged that this situation could have led to inconvenience for the affected radiographers.

Claims of Contracts and Human Impact

According to the Democratic Alliance (DA), their Gauteng spokesperson for health, Madeleine Hicklin, asserted that the radiographers began working in May and June without having signed contracts and only received payment on 6 November 2026 after intervention. Hicklin further claimed that two of the original eleven radiographers resigned after three months due to not being paid. Additionally, one radiographer reportedly lost her home as a result of missing bond repayments and was in the process of negotiating with her bank.

“The human cost of this administrative failure has been devastating,” Hicklin stated.

Calls for Investigation and Safeguards

Public representatives have called for a thorough investigation into how the department allowed staff to begin work without finalised contracts. The DA announced plans to submit formal questions regarding potential impacts on patient care and the steps taken to prevent similar future occurrences. There are concerns among observers that disruptions to diagnostic services could affect patient outcomes if staff shortages persist due to administrative delays.

Department’s Commitment to Fair Employment

In response, the Gauteng Department of Health expressed regret about the delay and emphasised its dedication to providing a fair and conducive working environment. The department reaffirmed its commitment to addressing workplace disputes and employment matters in a timely and transparent manner. Officials indicated ongoing efforts to ensure employees are treated equitably and that similar administrative oversights are avoided going forward.

Broader Implications

Administrative delays in employee compensation present significant challenges in the public health sector, potentially disrupting service delivery and staff morale. Prompt and transparent internal communication, alongside rigorous budget planning, is essential to ensure staff are fairly compensated and health services remain uninterrupted. Health departments countrywide often face scrutiny over similar issues, highlighting the need for efficient human resource management and clear accountability.

• Thirteen diagnostic radiographers were affected by the payment delays.
• Formal contracts were signed in May 2026.
• Final approval and payroll processing occurred at the end of October 2026.
• Employees were advised not to report to work until the payment issue was resolved.
• Multiple radiographers reportedly resigned or faced financial distress as a result.

Ensuring that these challenges are resolved promptly is essential for the wellbeing of both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve in Gauteng’s public health facilities.