JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The Gauteng Health Department has provided formal clarity regarding the prolonged inactivity of 41 idle ambulances in Johannesburg, confirming that the provincial government played no role in their 2019 procurement. Health spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the 16 million rand fleet has remained parked for six years due to unresolved municipal licensing and regulatory compliance issues.
According to Mabona, the transition of emergency medical services (EMS) to provincial control was a phased initiative that spanned from 2013 to 2020. Because the City of Johannesburg acquired these vehicles independently and outside the provincial operating license framework, the municipality holds the primary responsibility for the initial purchasing and funding decisions.
The current operational bottleneck stems from administrative adjustments requested by the city. Although municipal officials initially applied for an operational license from the province, they later revised their request to reduce the number of active stations from 15 to nine. This modification necessitated a complete resubmission of the application, which the Gauteng Health Department is currently reviewing.
Addressing public concern over emergency response capabilities, Mabona noted there is no factual evidence suggesting that the absence of these specific vehicles has negatively impacted response times. He highlighted that these units are primarily configured for firefighting and disaster management, rather than the advanced life support and paramedic services strictly regulated by the provincial Health Act.
Consequently, the province cannot currently verify the operational readiness or medical equipment status of the fleet. For the Gauteng Health Department to potentially absorb or authorize these vehicles, they must meet stringent regulatory standards. This includes mandatory provisions such as infant incubators, medical refrigeration for temperature-sensitive drugs, oxygen supplies, and essential consumables required for safe patient transport and emergency care.
Mabona emphasized that even if licensing is eventually granted, the ambulances would likely be restricted to accident and disaster response. They would not be utilized for routine inter-facility transfers or residential emergency calls, which require differently qualified personnel and specialized medical setups aligned with Health Professions Council standards.
When pressed on public demands for a strict 60-day deadline to either deploy or auction off the dormant fleet, Mabona firmly dismissed the notion. He characterized such ultimatums as political posturing typical of a “silly season,” affirming that the department’s focus remains strictly on regulatory compliance, unified health system coordination, and patient safety, rather than politically driven timelines.
