Health Ombud launches investigation into ‘heartbreaking' death of medical intern at KZN hospital
The death of Dr Alulutho Mazwi, a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in KZN who was allegedly forced to work despite health problems, has been described as a 'heartbreaking' loss. The incident is being investigated by the South African Health Ombud.
South African Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The investigation, opened at the request of Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will focus on determining the events leading up to the death of Dr Alulutho Mazwi (25), a newly diagnosed diabetic, on 12 May 2025. Mazwi was allegedly forced to report for work despite informing his superiors he was not well, and later collapsed during his shift.
'We extend our deepest condolences to Dr Mazwi's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. This investigation aims to provide clarity and closure for those affected, helping them understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,' stated Mokoena.
The Health Ombud's investigating team will also be evaluating the working conditions and support systems for medical interns and other health professionals at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital; identifying any systemic issues or lapses in protocol that may have contributed to Mazwi's death; and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in future.
Ricardo Mahlakanya, the spokesperson for the Health Ombud, told Daily Maverick that the estimated period for completing the investigation was six months.
'Heartbreaking' loss
In a petition calling for justice for Mazwi, seemingly started by his romantic partner Lindokuhle Phathekile, he is described as a 'dedicated and compassionate' healthcare professional.
'Despite being visibly ill and battling a chronic condition, he continued to serve his patients selflessly. His unwavering commitment highlights the passion and dedication he had for his profession and the wellbeing of his patients,' states the petition.
'It's a grievous situation that Dr Mazwi, who should have been resting and recuperating, was compelled to work under such strenuous conditions. This tragedy not only highlights the dire working conditions faced by healthcare workers globally, but also underscores the necessity for implementing adequate workplace health policies that safeguard the wellbeing and safety of medical professionals.'
In the petition, Phathekile calls for accountability for Mazwi's death, and the introduction and strict enforcement of improved health policies to prevent 'such heartbreaking incidents'.
Suspension of supervisor
Dr Zanele Bikitsha, the provincial chairperson of the South African Medical Association (Sama) in KwaZulu-Natal, said that the organisation had met with management at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital and demanded the precautionary suspension of the supervisor implicated in Mazwi's death. She confirmed that the supervisor had since been placed on suspension.
In that meeting, Sama also requested an independent investigation into the incident.
'We then asked, because we know [the incident is] not isolated, that they must have a meeting with all department heads that are [responsible] for intern training in their department, so that as management, they put them on [the same] page about what they will accept when it comes to the way that they handle interns,' said Bikitsha.
'We've also agreed to be part of the solution by training the interns on their rights when it comes to internship… from a labour perspective and also from a Health Professionals Council perspective.'
Bikitsha said that the challenges and pressures facing medical interns were not unique to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. Not only were interns at the bottom of the medical hierarchy in health facilities, she explained, they also relied on their supervisors to 'sign for competency' in their logbooks, making it difficult for them to speak out against those overseeing their duties.
'The number one thing that we think is going to be a game changer is for the national Department of Health and the Treasury to get on the same page about staffing. Doctors, whether it's interns, [medical officers], registrars or consultants, are currently overseeing more than the safe working norm by the World Health Organization. Therefore, you cannot expect, in a situation like that, for quality to come out. The Department of Health and the Treasury need to come together about funding posts within the health system so that this doesn't happen,' said Bikitsha.
'Broader systemic rot'
In a statement released by the trade union Public Servants Association, it was noted that Mazwi died after allegedly being pressured by his supervising consultant to work while 'critically ill'.
'His deteriorating health was visible, yet he continued to work and collapsed during his shift and tragically passed away,' stated the association.
'This devastating incident is a culmination of what the Public Servants Association has consistently warned the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health about, related to inhumane working conditions, autocratic leadership and abuse of power at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. The association has previously picketed and delivered memoranda to the head of department and the MEC for health, raising serious concerns about ill-treatment of staff.'
According to the Public Servants Association, many doctors and healthcare workers across KwaZulu-Natal continue to suffer due to 'hostile, exploitative and toxic management', often working under 'impossible conditions without support'.
'Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital is emblematic of a broader systemic rot that continues unchecked,' said the association.
The Public Servants Association led a picket outside the hospital on Tuesday, 20 May, at which its KZN spokesperson Mlungi Ndlovu told SABC that they were calling for an investigation into Mazwi's death by the Department of Employment and Labour, as well as the Health Ombud.
'It is the view of members that the province, in terms of the health system, has collapsed. Now is the time for change, and it is the voices of [our] members that are saying 'we are tired',' said Ndlovu.
Daily Maverick reached out to the KZN Department of Health about Mazwi's death and the subsequent investigation. Its response will be added when it becomes available.
In a statement released by the KZN Health Department on 14 May, it said it was 'shocked and deeply saddened' by the death of Mazwi and three other medical professionals in the province within a short period of time. The deaths were all separate incidents involving health workers from different facilities.
'It has been truly devastating to learn of the deaths of these young, talented
professionals at four of our healthcare facilities. They were individuals who not only contributed immensely to our healthcare system, but also embodied the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership. Their potential to shape and mentor future generations has been cut short, and we are heartbroken by this loss. On behalf of the department, I extend heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues,' said Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC.
The department said it would continue to support the affected institutions and families.
According to the Health Ombud's press release, the death of a doctor at Vryheid Hospital in KZN was also referred to the ombud for investigation recently. The referral came from Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, chair of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health.
'The two complaints mentioned in the press release are the only ones brought to the Ombud's attention by the minister and the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, and we have not yet started [an investigation],' Mahlakanya told Daily Maverick.
'However, the Ombud will enquire with the KZN Health MEC regarding other incidents that might have been brought to her attention. All these complaints will be combined and investigated systematically.' DM
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Chicken import ban from Brazil begins to bite
The Department of Agriculture is currently assessing the possibility of implementing regionalisation for chicken imports from Brazil to ensure local demand is met without compromising biosecurity. This follows South Africa's suspension of imports of live poultry, eggs, and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil after an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Brazil reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) in chickens, in a breeding establishment (parents), located in the municipality of Montenegro, state of Rio Grande do Sul, on 15 May 2025. Concerns remain This necessitated South Africa to suspend trade of live poultry, eggs and fresh poultry meat, and revised its import permit process. Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, noted that while South Africa's poultry industry has sufficient domestic slaughter chickens, concerns remain over the impact the suspension import of Brazilian poultry on the country's food supply chain, particularly the affordability and accessibility of processed meats and pet foods. He said the department is in constant engagement with the Brazilian authorities to determine if the outbreak has not spread to other states and a confirmation that there are no additional affected farms in other regions. 'This is a necessary procedure of ensuring that we don't introduce the virus to South Africans and infect the poultry industry. We need to balance food security realities with biosecurity imperatives,' Steenhuisen explained. The Minister added that the department has established that the reason for the delay in Brazil responding to South Africa's enquiries is due to the number of similar enquiries Brazil is receiving and responding to, since Brazil exports poultry products to many other countries. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
Why positive male role models are key to shaping boys and preventing GBV in South Africa
Father figures and positive male role models are key to addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. Image: Anete Lusina/Pexels As South Africa grapples with an escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV), civil society organisations argue that the perception of boys who grow up without fathers as perpetrators of GBV is complex, emphasising that male role models—not just biological fathers—are key to shaping a child's behaviour and attitudes. According to the State of South African Fathers 2024 report, 64.5% of South African children do not live with their biological fathers. More than half of this group, however, live with other adult men including stepfathers, partners of their mothers, extended family members, relatives such as older brothers, grandfathers, and uncles. This Sunday, 15 June, South Africa will celebrate Father's Day and as society reflects on the significance of paternal influence, it becomes apparent that honouring male figures who provide supportive, nurturing guidance could be instrumental in changing the narrative around GBV. Jean-Marie Nkurunziza, MenCare regional programme specialist at Sonke Gender Justice, said the perception that boy children who grow up without fathers tend to be perpetrators of GBV is complex and multifaceted. The organisation said most of the research on fatherhood and caregiving suggests that the relationship between a father's absence and boy children becoming GBV perpetrators is not straightforward. 'It is influenced by various factors, including family dynamics, social environment, and economic conditions within various families,' said Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza warned that if this issue is not addressed, it will lead to more dysfunction and increased inequalities," he said. He said violence may be transmitted from one generation to another, leading to a vicious cycle and pattern of violence in society. Nkurunziza further explained that GBV can have significant social and economic costs, including increased healthcare costs, low productivity, mental health issues and reduced economic opportunities. Sonke Gender Justice emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of GBV, including patriarchal norms, power imbalances, and deep-rooted inequalities, which is crucial to preventing GBV. Nkurunziza said promoting gender equality and challenging harmful masculinity can help prevent GBV. 'Providing GBV survivor-centred care, including access to healthcare, counselling, and justice, is essential in ensuring the well-being and safety of survivors by working with partners across the country.' Javu Baloyi, spokesperson for the Commission for Gender Equality, stated that this perception is not necessarily true. 'It need to ensure that boys have mentors. In some cases, lack of a role model in a father figure is somewhat linked to anger, being respondents, and worse, culminating in gender-based violence. The issue of absent fathers has to be addressed,' he said. Action Society stated that there is evidence to suggest that the absence of positive male role models, particularly fathers, can contribute to behavioural challenges in boys, including a higher risk of violence. However, the non-profit organisation cautioned against oversimplifying or generalising the issue. 'Not all boys raised without fathers become perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV). Many grow up to be respectful, responsible men.' The real concern lies not solely in the absence of a father, but in the lack of consistent, healthy male guidance and emotional support during a child's formative years," said Action Society. It said failure to intervene allows the cycle of violence to continue unchecked. 'Boys who are not taught to manage anger, process trauma, or respect others may become adults who inflict harm." According to Action Society, this can perpetuate high rates of GBV, absentee fathers, and generational trauma in families and communities. "South Africa is already in a GBV crisis and cannot afford to ignore root causes or structural failures in raising boys to be emotionally secure and morally grounded men,' said the organisation. Action Society believes prevention is just as critical as prosecution. Investing in the development of boy children is a national priority. Fatherlessness is a symptom of broader systemic issues such as poverty, incarceration, substance abuse, and social breakdown that must be tackled holistically. 'Blaming fatherless boys alone does not solve the problem. Healing our society starts with strengthening families, communities, and the moral compass of future generations,' said the organisation. The TEARS Foundation believes in self-determination, accountability, and responsibility. The foundation cited the Human Sciences Research Council, which found that more than 60% of children in South Africa do not live with their biological fathers, and around 20% only have contact with their fathers twice a week. 'Some people believe that boys who grow up without fathers are more likely to become abusers, but if that were true, we would have to believe that 60% of the male population is abusive. That simply isn't supported by evidence,' said the foundation. The foundation said there is not enough research to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between father absence and abusive behaviour. 'The truth is, the causes of abuse are complex. But complexity is not an excuse. Understanding these root causes does not take away personal responsibility or accountability for abusive actions,' it said. The issue of absent fathers is also complex, it said, adding that research shows that many absent fathers themselves grew up without present father figures. 'Breaking this cycle requires us to shift social beliefs. We must recognise that fathers do matter and that positive, present father figures who model respectful, morally grounded behaviour can help change the culture of violence we have come to accept,' it said. The TEARS Foundation stated that we live in a society that is 'hurting' and that if we do not address the erosion of shared values and the loss of moral direction, this pain will continue to grow. 'We believe the solution lies in rebuilding a society rooted in hope, healing, and human dignity. Change is possible when we choose to care, connect, and take responsibility for the world we're shaping for future generations.' Wessel van den Berg, Senior Advocacy Officer at Equimundo Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice, explained that a social father is a man who steps into a fathering role, engaging with the child and providing caregiving with the full knowledge and consent of the child's mother or guardian. 'Children tend to identify with men who they spend quite a lot of time with, and with time and consistency, these men could become father figures to them. So, a social father is really defined in terms of the nature and quality of care that a man gives to a child,' he said. Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder and CEO of The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit mentoring organisation focused on connecting 'fatherless' boys with vetted and trained social fathers, said social fathers are special people who, in the absence of a biological connection, must have a strong personal intention and commitment to make a good difference in the lives of boys. 'They need to be men who are driven by their values and can stand out as role models because of this demonstrable integrity,' he said. [email protected]
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Tried and tested: Local skincare brands that are giving global giants a run for their money
South African skincare brands offer high-quality, ethically made products at a fraction of the cost of international products. As someone who loves skincare but keeps an eye on her budget, I'm always on the lookout for local products that are both effective and ethically made. Over the years, I've realised that some of the best products don't necessarily come with a hefty international price tag. South Africa is home to a growing number of skincare brands that use high-quality, natural ingredients, often ethically sourced and sell at a lower price than their global competitors. Supporting these homegrown brands not only promotes local employment, but also encourages more sustainable beauty habits. Here are a few I've used and loved and continue to repurchase. Gel cleanser Gel cleansers are a staple in most of our routines, but finding one that's well-priced and mostly natural is not always easy. Levive's Jelly Splash ticks all the boxes - it's made with over 95% natural, locally sourced ingredients including green rooibos, shea butter, marula, and moringa. It's gentle enough for all skin types, with a light lather that doesn't strip the skin. My tween daughters have been using it daily to help with acne-prone skin and the results have been impressive. It contains salicylic acid and lactic acid to manage oil production, and at R329, it lasts around three months. They've become so loyal to it, they won't use anything else. Glycolic acid facial serum Glycolic acid is a skincare powerhouse, known for exfoliating and renewing skin. I've been using Fundamentals Skincare's 5% Glycolic Acid Serum, which costs just R149 for 30ml, which is a fraction of what I used to pay for imported versions, so I can use it liberally without feeling guilty. I started slowly, using it three times a week and gradually building up to daily use. The result? Plumper, smoother skin, especially helpful during winter when my skin tends to feel dehydrated. Daily micro-exfoliant Years ago, I used a popular American micro-exfoliant, but the price tag (now around R1,500) became too steep, so I was thrilled to discover Sorbet's Daily Skin Polish Powder at R215 which is a very similar product. It's a gentle rice-based powder exfoliant with salicylic acid that buffs away dead skin cells and helps with brightening dark spots. What I love is that it's gentle enough to use every day, even on sensitive skin. After using it regularly, my skin feels softer and absorbs serums and moisturisers far better. Eye cream Eye creams are one of the first things I skip when budgeting as international brands can cost up to R1,000 for 15ml. Cape Town-based brand, Vitaderm's Anti-Ageing Eye Cream offers a great alternative. It's hydrating, vegan, cruelty-free and free from mineral oil, parabens, artificial colours, and fragrances. I've been using it year-round and noticed firmer, more hydrated skin around my eyes without any irritation. A little goes a long way and lasts me for about 5 months. It retails at R560 for 20ml. Overnight hydrating mask I've been a fan of overnight leave-on masks for over a decade, and Kalahari's De-Age Hydration Mask is a standout. Retailing at around R500, it lasts up to six months, using it three times a week. Made with ethically sourced botanical oils and South African plant extracts, it provides deep hydration for up to 72 hours. The texture is surprisingly light and absorbs quickly, so I don't worry about it rubbing off on my pillow. In the morning, my skin always feels noticeably smoother and well-hydrated. Skincare doesn't have to cost a fortune to work and often, local brands offer better quality, fresher ingredients, and a more ethical approach to production. These South African products have found a permanent place in my routine, not just because they're affordable, but because they deliver real results. IOL Lifestyle
