Makhura gets an 'F' for failing to axe health MEC

Gauteng Premier David Makhura Picture: Boxer Ngwenya/The Star

Gauteng Premier David Makhura Picture: Boxer Ngwenya/The Star

Published Dec 8, 2016

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Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier David Makhura has obtained an F-rating from the DA for allegedly refusing to fire his MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, following the deaths of 37 mental patients.

Last year, the DA rated Makhura a notch higher, but his score declined this year. According to DA Gauteng leader John Moodey, the downgrade was primarily due to his handling of the removal of mental patients from the Life Esidimeni Healthcare Centre after its closure and the patients' relocation to non-governmental institutions, where some died.

“His failure to fire MEC Mahlangu after the death of 37 health patients reiterates the point when it comes to tackling difficult issues, he has a hard time keeping to his word,” Moodey said.

The DA gave the rating despite Makhura’s pledge that he would act soon after obtaining the outcome of the investigation by the health ombudsman.

When he delivered his political report in the provincial legislature on Tuesday, Makhura promised to meet relatives of the deceased from next week.

But this did not persuade the DA. The party's Gauteng caucus leader, Jack Bloom, accused Makhura of double standards.

He said Makhura chose to place his former sports and arts MEC Molebatsi Bopape on suspension and subsequently removed her without waiting for a probe into allegations against her to be concluded.

“He failed to act against Mahlangu despite public exposure. There is still a cover-up on the matter affecting mental patients. It is clear Mahlangu is politically more important to the ANC than Bopape,” Bloom said.

He was adamant Mahlangu should have been fired, especially considering the number of people who died.

Mahlangu received the worst rating compared among all MECs - 0 out 10.

“She should have resigned or been fired over the 37 known deaths of psychiatric patients transferred hastily to unsuitable NGOs after the cancellation of the contract for Life Esidimeni, which looked after 2000 people.

“Her continued evasion of this subject and her defiance make her appear more complicit that a simple bystander in a failed project,” Moodey said.

He said a professional person was needed to replace her to ensure residents of Gauteng receive quality and dignified healthcare.

Other MECs who obtained an F rating were Finance MEC Barbara Creecy, MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile, Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and MEC for Social Development Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.

MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi obtained 4.5 out of 10 while MEC for Human Settlements Paul Mashatile and MEC for Sport Faith Mazibuko both got 3.

SACP Gauteng secretary and MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo and MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi both obtained E ratings.

Last year, Mamabolo scored 3.5 while serving as MEC for human settlements, and the DA said he had improved significantly in his new job. Lesufi received a D rating last year, and the DA said the downgrade to E was as a result of the government’s excessive spending in the construction of schools.

The premier's office did not respond to the DA scorecard.

The Star

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