SAHRC confirms it will investigate human rights violations at Shongwe Hospital

10 January 2023

ActionSA has received written confirmation from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) that it will investigate whether any human rights were violated at Shongwe Hospital in Mpumalanga.

This follows the complaint submitted to the SAHRC on the 14 October 2022, asking them to launch an urgent investigation into the human rights violations by the Mpumalanga Department of Health at Shongwe Hospital in particular.

ActionSA handed over a list of grievances highlighted by the community to the Shongwe Hospital Management about lack of primary healthcare services in the community bordering eSwatini.

The grievances raised by ActionSA, and the community include:

1.    Lack of proper hygiene inside both inside wards and general waiting areas which includes dirty windows, corridors with spider webs, and dirty floors.

2.    Poorly maintained infrastructure with pipes leaking, causing hazards for both staff and patients.

3.    Sub-standard food prepared for patients.

4.    Poorly equipped and not enough emergency vehicles.

5.    Hospital corridors which are not roofed with patients, therefore, being exposed to the elements.

6.    Lack of air-conditioning and fire hydrants in the hospital.

7.    Inadequate record keeping of patients while patients themselves have to wait long hours to receive files.

8.    Poorly maintained gardens and lack of grass cutting around the hospital.

9.    Medicine shortages for patients.

10. Poor staff working conditions, especially for nurses.

11. Poorly maintained infrastructure,

We look forward to the conclusion of the SAHRC’s investigation and are optimistic that the resultant recommendations will be one step closer to the people of Mpumalanga getting better healthcare.

Issued by Thoko Mashiane, Mpumalanga Provincial Chairpersonj, ActionSA, 10 January 2023