Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that 34,528 patients are currently on surgical waiting lists across 17 government hospitals. – Citizen (3 June 2025) Steve Biko Hospital has the highest backlog (6,764), followed by Chris Hani Baragwanath (6,232), Dr George Mukhari (5,354), and Charlotte Maxeke (3,315).
“Despite a R784m budget to reduce backlogs in 2023–24, cancer surgery allocations remain largely unaccounted for while R250m in ring-fenced cancer funding has gone unused, with remaining funds redirected to radiation delays.”