State-of-the-art hospital in South Africa standing empty after 10 years and R2.8 billion
The construction of the new Mapulaneng Regional Hospital in Mpumalanga has been delayed due to community unrest and the liquidation of one of its contractors, which has disrupted the 10-year build.
According to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, the project, which carries a construction cost of R2.835 billion, was due to be completed in July 2026.
The hospital is intended to replace the existing Mapulaneng Hospital, which had become dilapidated over its 90-year lifespan. The original hospital was established by Swiss missionaries in 1936.
The new hospital was planned as an expanded, state-of-the-art facility to serve as a referral facility for various District Hospitals in the surrounding municipality.
It is located in Bushbuckridge within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality.
Construction of the new hospital commenced in phases in 2016, with a full contractual completion date of July 2026. It had an initial budget of R2.5 billion.
The project was reported at 78% physical progress as of December 2025, with the budget increasing to over R2.8 billion.
Now, the hospital faces overruns and higher costs due to the indefinite delay.
Phase 1 of the project, which entailed bulk water, sewer, and electricity reticulation, as well as construction of an access road, commenced in September 2016 and was completed in September 2019.
Phase 2 of the project, covering retaining walls and bulk earthworks, started in 2017 and was completed in July 2018.
Phase 3 of the project was the main build of the hospital itself and surrounding facilities. Construction on this phase started in July 2021 and was expected to be complete by July 2026.
However, in response to a parliamentary Q&A on the hospital, Motsoaledi said there has been a delay in the facility’s full completion and operationalisation.
This is “attributable to the liquidation process of the contractor on Phase 3A, as well as the prolonged community-related disruptions,” he said.
This resulted in the closure of the construction site and, consequently, no access to the site.
Indefinite delay
Motsoaledi said the site closure affected the execution of works under both Phase 3A and Phase 3C of the project, as construction activities could not proceed.
Phase 3A of the project included hospital wards, theatres, and the CSSD, OPD, Radiology, the main entrance, and the support building, among many other critical features.
Phase 3C included the residences, gymnasium, library, swimming pool, sports facilities, and infrastructure like sewer and stormwater services, paved roads and parking, etc.
The minister said that Phase 3B achieved practical completion in January 2026—missing its July 2025 deadline.
This phase involved the construction of the Emergency Medical Services Building, Isolation Ward, Surgical Ward, Orthopaedical Ward and Building Services.
The minister said that outstanding construction work still needs to be completed, while the procurement of fixed medical equipment is currently underway.
There is no updated completion date. Motsoaledi said one would be communicated once the Extension of Time claims have been finalised. He noted that the delay will have financial implications.
This includes variation orders totalling R187 million, as well as further potential costs related to outstanding works, extension claims, security, and the appointment of a new contractor.
However, these costs are still subject to assessment and cannot yet be conclusively quantified, he added.
The minister said that no consequence management measures have been instituted against the project team; however, the contractor for phase 3A has terminated due to liquidation.
Images of the Mapulaneng Regional Hospital construction
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