Relentless pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng over the long-delayed Johannesburg South Forensic Pathology Laboratory, whose incomplete state has denied residents access to timely autopsies, postmortems, and toxicology reports, is beginning to pay dividends. The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, has finally conceded that an enquiry into the delays at the Johannesburg South Forensic Pathology Laboratory must occur, and he has sought legal advice regarding the matter.
Construction of this facility, located at Helen Joseph Hospital, began around 2016, with an estimated budget of R588 million. However, it has yet to open its doors and has already cost taxpayers R703 million.
The DA Gauteng has been actively calling for the completion of this essential facility since 2022, even escalating the issue to the National Department of Health as directed by the citizens of Gauteng. We have also been advocating for improved treatment of the deceased and their families, many of whom have endured waits of up to ten years for toxicology results, resulting in prolonged delays in burials. In response to mounting pressure, MEC Mamabolo has begged for our indulgence and disclosed that he has ‘commissioned a legal opinion on the project’.
The building of this laboratory has faced numerous controversies related to compliance with the City of Johannesburg’s municipal by-laws, significant cost and time overruns. These issues have severely impacted its completion to the detriment of Gauteng residents.
While we appreciate the MEC’s honesty about the necessity for thorough investigations, we remain skeptical about his promise that this forensic pathology laboratory will be operational before the end of the year. Consequently, we have requested the MEC to keep us updated regularly on the progress of this facility.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would have ensured the completion and full functioning of this critical forensic facility. Unlike Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s administration, which continues to mismanage infrastructure delivery and delay essential public services, we prioritise efficiency and value for taxpayers’ money.
The DA will continue to press for a swift resolution to this delay that has contributed to bereaved families being denied both closure and the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest with the dignity and care they deserve.