Health dept refers NHI contracts corruption allegations to SIU – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.

The health department says it is referring allegations of corruption linked to National Health Insurance (NHI) communication contracts to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), the Auditor-General and potentially the Public Protector.

This follows a media investigative report this weekend, alleging that uncapped NHI advertising contracts diverted millions of rands from critical health programmes.

The department has rejected the allegations, saying it provided News24 with supporting documents but remains concerned by what it calls misleading conclusions.

National Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale says the investigations will establish the facts around the contracts.

“The minister and deputy minister have hence decided to approach the SIU, the Auditor General, and if necessary, even the Public Protector, to get to the root of this claim. These independent institutions will be neutral arbiters of this matter, rather than press statements and counter statements,” says Mohale.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and Deputy Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, jointly call for the Special Investigating Unit, to investigate claims by News24 on 26/09/2026: “People before Profit: How uncapped NHI advert contracts drew millions from critical Health programmes.” pic.twitter.com/bhE0HXJdLu
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) September 28, 2026