DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom is calling for an urgent independent commission of inquiry to look into the heart patients that are allegedly dying due to poor surgical outcomes at the cardiothoracic department of Charlotte Maxeke Academic Johannesburg Hospital.

The matter has also since been referred to the health Ombudsman for an urgent and independent investigation.

Read more: Charlotte Maxeke fire: Mental health patient starts fire, no injuries reported

Bloom, who addressed the media on March 31 outside the Johannesburg academic hospital, explained that he uncovered the alleged disaster after receiving a deliberately misleading response to his questions in the Gauteng legislature regarding the heart surgery mortality rates at the hospital. “The official response claims a 72.5% decrease in mortality between 2023 and 2025, asserting a substantial and sustained improvement in patient outcomes, and concludes there was no evidence of systemic failure, or elevated risk that would necessitate a formal commission of inquiry.”

According to the Gauteng legislature’s response, which the publication is in possession of, the figures are a 38.8% reduction in mortality from 2023–2024, and a 55.1% further reduction from 2024–2025. This demonstrates a substantial and sustained improvement in patient outcomes within the department.

Bloom disagreed, saying his assessment was that there is an alleged disgraceful cover-up by both the Johannesburg academic hospital and Wits Medical School. “According to my sources, the actual heart surgery mortality rate at Charlotte Maxeke is approximately 20%, which is a catastrophic failure. Overseas, mortality rates exceeding 2–3% would immediately trigger a formal inquiry.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom during a media briefing regarding the alleged high death rate at the cardiothoracic department at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Video: Asanda Matlhare #DA #Charlottemaxeke ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

The shadow health MEC also highlighted that the Gauteng legislature responses were directly contradicted by a senior cardiothoracic surgeon who resigned in October 2025. “In his resignation letter, he cited persistently poor surgical outcomes, a severely compromised training environment, a breakdown in engagement with hospital authorities, and the intimidation of junior doctors.”

Bloom noted that the senior surgeon described his resignation as a principled protest against a system that has failed its clinicians, trainees, and patients. “Prior to his resignation, he called for the immediate suspension of the head of the cardiothoracic department, Dr Tumi Taunyane, following serious grievances raised by registrars, including intimidation, lack of academic leadership, and multiple instances of misconduct.”

Also read: Fire contained at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

In a response by the Gauteng Legislature, it stated the following: “No formal complaints were submitted by staff members. However, the faculty is aware of a concern raised by the vice-chancellor of the university of the Witwatersrand.”

The communication noted:

• The faculty of health sciences has become involved, due to the matter affecting both registrars and joint staff.
• It was reported that the department is experiencing significant dysfunction as a result of a breakdown in relationships among several staff members, including registrars.
• The vice-chancellor expressed concern that this situation may have implications for patient care, surgical service delivery, theatre safety, and the broader clinical training platform.

Bloom concluded that the party would continue to stand up for patients who deserve high-quality healthcare.
The publication will reach out to the Witwatersrand faculty of health sciences for further comment and will update the article with the response.

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