The 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria. (Photo: Facebook/1 Military Hospital)
The Department of Defense and Military Veterans is investigating the possibility of building a new hospital rather than continuing with the disastrous repair and maintenance project at 1 Military Hospital.
The project has been ongoing for more than 20 years and has already cost more than R1 billion. However, the hospital is still not fully operational.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defense has expressed its serious dissatisfaction regarding the long stalled project.
On Friday, the committee met with the senior management of the South African National Defense Force (SADF) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to receive an update on the project.
Despite significant investments made in the repair and maintenance of the hospital, the committee was informed that the Department of Defense and Military Veterans is reconsidering the viability of continuing the project and exploring the possibility of building a new hospital instead.
“Although we appreciate the rationale behind the re-evaluation of the project, it is deeply concerning that more than R1 billion has already been invested in the repair and maintenance program without the work ever being completed,” said Phiroane Phala, co-chairman of the committee.
The committee further expressed its concern about the apparent lack of coordination between the Department of Defense and Military Veterans and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. Members of the committee noted a worrying disconnect between the two departments, characterized by poor information sharing and insufficient alignment on project objectives and implementation plans.
“The committee finds it inexplicable that two government departments charged with such a critical project can function without adequate alignment and information sharing. This lack of alignment has contributed significantly to the current challenges,” said Phala.
The committee also expressed its frustration at the continued absence of consequence management against officials who were identified and implicated in violations following a forensic investigation that was commissioned by the department.
“It is unacceptable that consequence management has not been implemented. In a statement issued in May 2025, the committee highlighted this concern, and more than a year later no tangible action has been taken. This failure only reinforces concerns that the department is not serious about ensuring accountability,” Phala emphasized.
Despite these concerns, the committee urged both departments to urgently collaborate on the way forward to ensure the provision of a functional facility capable of delivering quality healthcare services to serving and retired members of the armed forces.
“The committee will subsequently facilitate a joint discussion where both departments are expected to submit a consolidated report for consideration. In addition, the committee has requested a progress report on disciplinary and accountability measures against officials identified in the forensic investigation.”