Gauteng’s Health Crisis: MEC Ralehoko must account

25 January 2024

Yesterday, In a shocking display of unconstitutionality, DA members in the provincial legislature (MPLs) Solly Msimanga, Jack Bloom, and Refiloe Ntsekhe were illegally denied access to Tembisa Hospital during an unannounced oversight visit at the behest of Gauteng Health MEC Nomanthu Nkomo Ralehoko..

Today, January 25, 2024, MEC Ralehoko has conveniently invited the media to the same hospital that elected DA public representatives were unconstitutionally denied access to the day before. This raises suspicions about what MEC Ralehoko might have concealed at a facility synonymous with maladministration, corruption, ANC looting, and patient mistreatment.

Our visit was prompted by distressing reports received from the inside the hospital of patient mistreatment, including instances of individuals forced to sleep in tents and on the hospital floor. Chronically unavailability of crucial medical supplies and medicine. Doctors have reported that they are forced to give patients Panado post operation, doing nothing for the tremendous pain they find themselves in.

The question looms large: What was MEC Ralehoko hiding? If she has nothing to hide, DA MPL Solly Msimanga challenges the MEC to make herself available for a televised debate on the state of the Gauteng Health system and the reasons behind the illegal denial of MPLs' constitutional right to oversight.

Should MEC Ralehoko decline accountability and refuse to engage, the DA will explore various legal options to ensure the MEC accounts. Premier Lesufi and his cabinet are not above the law or the constitution.

Issued by Solly Msimange, DA Gauteng Premier Candidate