According to Health MEC, Montsheng Tsiu, the department still has a month-to-month contract with the service provider, despite having purchased 60 additional ambulances. 

Tsiu told OFM News the department is at a stage where it battles to meet all health demands in the province with its own fleet and that is why they are still making use of the service provider. 

This, despite the department having drawn much controversy over the use of Buthelezi EMS with opposition parties alleging that the department spends over R6.1 million per month on this service provider while there are reports of inadequacy and poor service delivery by the service provider. 

Tsiu's statement comes days after the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) raised concerns over the state of healthcare services and the continuous use of private ambulances in the province.

She added that in order for the department to end their contract with the service provider under question, they will first need to ensure that they have enough ambulances, with adequate resources and skilled personnel.

During this exclusive interview with OFM News, Tsiu could, however, not confirm this figure and not provide details as to how much the department is spending on this service provider.

OFM News