Court postpones legal battle between Cancer Alliance, Gauteng Health

Cancer Alliance, represented by Section 27, dragged the department for the alleged misuse of R784 million meant to address the radiation backlogs and other surgical backlogs in the province. 

On Monday, Section 27 released a statement saying they would approach the court to request a postponement to allow the Cancer Alliance to prepare another replying affidavit.

"The MEC for Health in Gauteng, the Gauteng Department of Health and the two hospitals that provide radiation oncology services in the province only filed their answering affidavit in the case on the evening of Friday, 19 July 2024," it said. 

"The Respondents’ answering affidavit had been due on 12 July 2024 and they then asked for an extension to 16 July 2024. As a result of the delay, Cancer Alliance is now considering its response and preparing a replying affidavit, and the matter will not be able to proceed. We will advise on the new date once one is allocated by the judge.”

Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the Cancer Alliance will approach the court once further pleadings and documents have been filed. 

"The GDoH has consistently maintained that this matter does not belong in an urgent court or any court for that matter. The department is prepared to argue the case in court when necessary.

"Furthermore, the department remains committed to providing essential healthcare services for the people of Gauteng and continues to ensure that radiation oncology services are delivered to patients who need them.

"GDoH takes the allegations by Cancer Alliance seriously and is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability," he said. 

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