By Charmaine Ndlela
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu on Thursday handed over 95 new emergency medical and service delivery vehicles worth R66.9 million to strengthen the province’s healthcare system and improve emergency response times.
The fleet, unveiled at Mbombela Stadium, comprises 15 ambulances valued at R22 million, five primary response vehicles worth R5.2 million and 50 service delivery vehicles costing R39.7 million.
The investment forms part of the provincial government’s drive to modernise Emergency Medical Services (EMS), expand ambulance capacity and improve responses to road crashes, medical emergencies and other life-threatening incidents across Mpumalanga.
According to the provincial government, the new ambulances will enable emergency medical personnel to reach patients faster and transport them to healthcare facilities without unnecessary delays.
The vehicles will be strategically deployed across the province to replace ageing units and strengthen service delivery in high-demand areas.
Addressing the handover ceremony, Ndlovu commended emergency medical personnel and healthcare workers for their continued dedication despite resource constraints.
He said Mpumalanga currently operates 185 ambulances and remains on track to reach its target of 204 ambulances, with the latest additions expected to significantly enhance the province’s emergency response capacity.
“This investment demonstrates the provincial government’s determination to ensure swift responses to emergencies and strengthen healthcare delivery across Mpumalanga,” Ndlovu said.
The provincial government said the fleet expansion supports the objectives of the National Development Plan 2030 by building a more responsive and equitable healthcare system, while advancing the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) through stronger emergency medical services.
Authorities said the additional vehicles are expected to improve access to lifesaving healthcare, reduce operational downtime and enhance patient outcomes across the province.
The handover follows repeated concerns over ambulance shortages and delayed emergency response times raised by residents during Ndlovu’s Izimbizo programme and other public participation forums, where access to emergency medical services consistently emerged as one of the province’s key service delivery challenges.
