WHO WAS CONSULTED ON THE RENAMING OF GAUTENG HOSPITALS?

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has said that "following a community participation process" three hospitals will be renamed, but previous procedures to ensure wide public involvement in such a matter have not been followed.

According to Makhura, the Zola-Jabulani Hospital will be named after Bheki Mlangeni, the Natalspruit Hospital will be named after Thelle Mogoerane, and the Far East Rand Hospital after Ruth First.

These are all ANC struggle heroes and it is not clear who was consulted on the renaming.

Previously, there was a public call for suggested names, and the Gauteng Legislature's Health Committee was also involved.

We have not been given a rationale as to why these three hospitals are being named after particular people.

This is not a good precedent by a new premier who has pledged to be a servant of the people.

These needs to be real community participation in any hospital renaming process.

The higher priority is actually to improve service at these hospitals so that they do not disgrace the names of the people they are going to be named after.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, February 24 2015

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