The DA will today file a complaint at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Dr Dan Sithole, the clinical manager at the Bela Bela Hospital for racist remarks he made during and oversight inspection by two DA members to this facility earlier this morning.

DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Health, Lindy Wilson MP, accompanied by DA Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle MPL, conducted an oversight inspection at this hospital following complaints by community members that patients are being turned away. It is alleged that a patient died as a result.

At the hospital, Ms Wilson was snubbed by Dr Sithole that “she must not come with her white mentality” when she raised the concerns and reasons for the oversight.

The DA finds such behavior abhorrent and will not tolerate racist remarks hurled at one of our Members of Parliament while conducting a Constitutionally mandated oversight inspection.

The DA will further lay a complaint at the Health Practitioners Council of South Africa against Dr Sithole for unethical behavior.

The ANC government has failed the poor and vulnerable by subjecting people to sub-standard and in certain instances no health care services. The DA will not be deterred by incidents such as this and we will continue to fight for much-needed change in healthcare for all South Africans.

 

Issued by DA