The CEO of Medicare24, Mike van Wyk, has acknowledged that his company carried out work for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department despite there being no formal signed contract in place.
Speaking during an interview on eNCA, Van Wyk said the engagement was informal and based on a request for assistance rather than a structured agreement.
“No Physical Agreement Was Signed”
Van Wyk explained that the company was approached to assist and responded accordingly.
“There was no physical agreement that I signed. It was on ‘can you assist?’ and that is what I did,” he said.
He confirmed that the company conducted blood testing on motorists suspected of driving under the influence, but emphasised that this occurred on a limited basis.
One-Off Assistance or Governance Concern?
According to Van Wyk, the work was carried out only once, suggesting it was not part of an ongoing arrangement.
However, the revelation raises broader questions about:
- Procurement procedures within municipal law enforcement
- Compliance with public finance regulations
- Accountability in outsourced services
In South Africa, government entities are typically required to follow strict tender and contracting processes when appointing service providers.
Spotlight on Public Sector Processes
The issue comes amid growing scrutiny of how public institutions engage private service providers, particularly in cases where:
- Formal agreements are absent
- Documentation is incomplete
- Services are rendered before contracts are finalised
Such practices can expose municipalities to:
- Legal risks
- Financial irregularities
- Audit findings
Context: Madlanga Roundtable Discussions
Van Wyk’s comments were made during the Madlanga Roundtable, a platform examining governance, accountability, and public sector conduct.
His admission adds to ongoing conversations about transparency in municipal operations and the need for stricter oversight.
What Happens Next?
It remains unclear whether:
- The City of Ekurhuleni will launch a formal review
- Any internal investigations will follow
- The engagement complied with existing regulations
Authorities may need to assess whether the arrangement aligned with public finance and procurement laws.
Final Thoughts
While the work described may have been limited, the absence of a formal agreement highlights a recurring challenge in public administration: balancing urgent service delivery with strict compliance requirements.
Even one-off arrangements can raise significant governance questions—particularly when public funds and law enforcement operations are involved.
Call to Action:
Stay informed with Virgo for in-depth reporting on governance, accountability, and public sector developments in South Africa. Share and join the conversation.
