Durban - There is no love lost between KwaZuluNatal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and Dr Imran Keeka of the DA, whose row over unannounced visits to health facilities seems to be far from being over.
The pair have been at each other’s throats, with Keeka accusing Dhlomo of interfering with separation of powers when demanding MPLs and MPs obtain permission from his office before visiting health facilities as part of their oversight role.
Last month Dhlomo remained firm on the department’s decision regarding the health visits, and also accused Keeka of abusing his privilege when obtaining departmental documents in a parliamentary debate.
On Thursday, Keeka had his day when he took a dig at his nemesis when he tabled a motion without notice at a legislative sitting.
In his motion, Keeka said the legislature should resolve to reject as unnecessary and beyond Dhlomo’s powers to limit the freedom of public representatives.
He said public representatives should be unhindered when they carried out their oversight work.
Keeka’s motion was a sequel to a press release he issued on Tuesday lashing out at Dhlomo for not providing satisfactory responses to his parliamentary questions.
“Despite the very clear questions, the MEC declined to outline the proper method or provide a time frame, instead referring to some obscure document,” he said.
Keeka had asked what procedure should be followed when seeking permission to visit health facilities with specific questions, but Dhlomo referred him to a department circular. Keeka did not like this and accused Dhlomo of being evasive with his reply. .
“We may also have to test the validity of the department’s protocols if and when we ever have sight of them.”
Keeka said he now plans to write Dhlomo another set of parliamentary questions, seeking to know where to obtain the department’s circular, among other things.
However, Dhlomo was unmoved by Keeka’s motion, which he did not contest.
In an interview with media, he said MPs and MPLs were privileged to visit any government institution.
“They normally give notice of a visit and that visit is then planned, and we agree who is to welcome, orientate and brief them at the institution. That process has not stopped and that process must go on.”
Dhlomo said disagreements had arisen when public representatives visited facilities without prior arrangements.
“There is no way we are to allow our leadership in hospitals to prioritise members who come unannounced at the expense of patients,” he said.
He insisted that either he or the head of department should be informed about a visit so that prior arrangements could be made.
“If they think that is asking too much, they are not going to find people at the gate waiting for them to orientate and take them around,” said Dhlomo.
Daily News