The Democratic Alliance is stunned by newly-appointed KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu's apparent disregard for the separation of party and state, as witnessed during a recent visit to the King Cetshwayo health district during which she was seen wearing full ANC regalia. The discovery was made following a social media post which depicts the MEC meeting with district directors, hospital CEOs and other stakeholders. (view here)

The DA supports the fact that the MEC is familiarising herself with this district, however, we strongly condemn the politicisation of the health system, districts and hospitals.

While we understand that Simelane-Zulu is new to the position, it is clear that she has not yet transitioned from being the ANC’s KZN spokesperson to an MEC. As such, she needs to remember that it is the provincial government that delivers health services - not any specific political party - and that her new role is to support all KZN’ medical professionals, patients and residents and not just those who support the ANC.

With the ANC dropping 10% in support in the province and a total of eight seats in the provincial Legislature, it is quite clear that there are many KZN residents that do not support the ANC but who still require health services from the provincial government.

The South African public health system caters for vulnerable and poor communities regardless of their political affiliation. The DA expects all KZN health officials and professionals to perform their duties in a non-partisan basis – starting with the MEC.

The DA has pioneered the provision of quality non-partisan health care where we govern in the Western Cape.  Health Minister Nomafrench Mbambo has already digitised all patient records at 54 Western Cape hospitals and more than 300 clinics, created the highest life expectancy in South Africa and delivered more than 4.5 million chronic medicine parcels closer to people's homes. All this has been done without wearing DA regalia.

In the event that MEC Simelane-Zulu continues with this unconstitutional behaviour, the DA will refer her conduct to the Public Protector on the basis that her actions are a blatant abuse of state resources for party-political gain. She has been warned.

 

Issued by The DA