Gauteng government on why 41 ambulances have been sitting idle in Joburg

The Gauteng government addressed concerns that 41 ambulances in Johannesburg have been idle for six years due to bureaucratic reasons. The City of Johannesburg purchased these ambulances for R1 million each in 2019, but did not deploy them due to a lack of approval. The provincial government clarified it had no part in procuring or funding these ambulances.

Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Gauteng Provincial Government, explained that ambulance services were taken over by the Gauteng Department of Health in 2009 to comply with constitutional requirements and national legislation. This shift aimed to bring all ambulances in line with national standards for vehicles, equipment, staffing, and licensing.

The goal is to create a unified and well-coordinated health system under provincial control, leading to consistent service quality and better emergency care across Gauteng. The City of Johannesburg submitted an application for an EMS operating license covering six stations in July 2026, which is currently under review. The provincial government awaits a final decision before deciding the fate of these vehicles, with one option being their inclusion in the provincial fleet.

The provincial government is committed to eliminating any mismanagement of resources and ensuring a reliable EMS network for Gauteng residents.