SACP Gauteng calls on DA MPL, Jack Bloom, to desist from his highly personalised attacks against Health MEC Mahlangu
15 November 2016
The South African Communist Party Gauteng Province calls on DA Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), Hon Jack Bloom to desist with immediate effect from his highly personalised, slanderous and venomous attacks on Health MEC Comrade Qedani Mahlangu.
Whilst the SACP does not concern itself with matters relating to individuals, we believe it is wrong for Hon Bloom to use the Legislature and his privilege in the house to mount an offensive and construct a political fortune that seems to target the MEC as an individual.
We have noted that at every opportunity that presents itself, Hon Bloom spits venom against the MEC. His verbal abuse more often does not necessarily focus on the issues that relate to the state of the health system in the province. It is our view that the tone and under-current contained in Hon Bloom's venom, seems to border on racism, chauvinism and slander.
Whilst we respect Hon Bloom's right to conduct oversight work, we believe he should not make the MEC his personal project. We thus believe the challenges facing the health system in our province are objective, historic and therefore not subjective. They are not at all personal.
Whilst we believe members of the Executive should be held firmly accountable, they must not be abused, scapegoated and personally held responsible for the contradictions facing the sector.
Whilst we further appreciate the fact that there may be a thin line between political office and responsibilities that go with the post, especially those relating to the Executive, we are convinced that Hon Bloom has gone overboard and crossed the line.
We also believe that where clear evidence proves beyond doubt that individuals have been negligent or abused their office, they should be held accordingly liable. This we say fully aware that there are currently matters that are under investigation in the Department of Health. We believe that for as long as there is no evidence that implicates individuals, they should not be subjected to a kangaroo court or the court of public opinion.
We reserve our right to pronounce our position loud and clear, without fear or favour once the investigations have been finalised and a report released on the outcomes of the investigations.
We remain convinced that the problems in the health system require the rollout of the National Health Insurance scheme to ensure quality and accessible health care for the working class and the poor.
Issued by Jacob Mamabolo, SACP Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 15 November 2016
