They Stole From the People! Corruption Must Fall
The crisis in many of our public facilities does not come from nowhere. Over the last 15 years, corruption has flourished in South Africa and the public service has been systematically hollowed out. This has directly impacted the healthcare system and the HIV and TB response.
Corruption and theft of public funds has been rampant even within the Department of Health, taking away much needed resources for hiring doctors and nurses, paying for ambulances, or fixing our clinics.
The release of the SIU reported the misuse of R1.2 billion from health department coffers between 2007 and 2012 under former MEC of Health Brian Hlongwa’s watch as well as the misuse of R150 million in the Digital Vibes saga under the watch of former Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize, are examples of just that. Clinics and Community Health Centres (CHC) are also not immune from this behaviour.
Gross negligence is also pervasive. The actions of former MEC of Health Qedani Mahlangu resulted in the death of 144 people at Life Esidimeni. The inhumanity and callous disregard for the lives of others was shocking. She refused to accept responsibility for causing the worst tragedy this country has witnessed since the dawn of democracy.
Medical negligence is also a worrying trend that we witness in clinics and hospitals across the country. Much of this negligence is avoidable, yet it can lead to disability, recurrent or new medical issues, extended hospital stays or re-admission, loss of income and at times, avoidable death. Many incidents have translated to malpractice claims which continue to cost the health department billions of rands — money that could be used to improve the quality of healthcare services.
Ultimately, as with all the issues we faced in the first phase of our struggle, the second phase is also fundamentally political. Government must be held accountable to introduce strict measures to prevent corruption and negligence, and to prosecute all those responsible for theft of public funds meant for healthcare, or for gross negligence. TAC will continue to publicly call out corruption and corrupt officials.
