By Sihle Mavuso
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has quietly advertised a tender to outsource emergency medical services (EMS) to private ambulance operators, a move that would see them provide free transport to patients without medical aid.
The department, led by MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi of the ANC, pushed ahead with the bid despite concerns that, although framed as a temporary six-month measure, it could serve as a backdoor to the privatisation of the service.
The concerns about the tender are contained in a letter dated 5 August 2025, which was written to Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli by Chris Maxon in his capacity as an activist of Rise Mzansi.
Maxon is also a senior employee in the department, occupying the position of chief director for licensing, and he is currently suspended after he blew the whistle on the matter.
“While the Department of Health staggers under a R3.2 billion deficit and faces
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