
Protestors demand Westville hospital reinstate doctor
Duze is being investigated by the Health Professionals Council of SA (HPCSA) and the hospital for alleged malpractice.
One of the protestors, Sandile Sishi, who said Duze had in the past treated their family members, alleged mishandling of the investigation by the hospital's management.
'We want justice, we want Dr Duze to be reinstated immediately because the peer review process has been spectacularly flawed,' said Sishi.
Sishi added that there was no tangible evidence to support the allegations levelled against Duze, which include that he had performed unnecessary procedures on some patients.
Also read: Health Council's probe of Dr at Westville hospital at advanced stage
Recently, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled in favour of TV show Carte Blanche, effectively removing an interim interdict which had prevented the airing of a segment about the doctor, which had been broadcast.
Sishi alleged that the broadcast was a result of 'a gang of doctors who are against one man', and that all that was aired is not trusted by Duze's supporters.
'We will only listen to the HPCSA,' said Sishi.
Duze's practice manager Zandi Madikizela, alleged that the doctor was a subject of racism, prejudice, and jealousy, the latter emanating from his professional peers.
'It is because he is black and runs a successful practice,' said Madikizela, who said evidence must be provided that Duze had performed unnecessary procedures on patients.
Also read: Doctor at Westville hospital being investigated for malpractice
'Dr Duze has saved countless lives; he is in the ward from dusk till dawn,' said Madikizela, who also alleged that a doctor at the hospital had urged patients to lodge complaints against Duze even when there was no evidence to back these, and that there are SMSs which prove this claim.
Madikizela added that a case has been opened against the doctor accused of pressuring patients to file complaints against Duze.
KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the police in Westville have opened a case of defamation of character 'after a man allegedly had his name tarnished by another person who reportedly accused him falsely'.
The hospital had yet to respond to allegations levelled against it, which include that Duze was not given enough time to relocate his patients, as he was given only three days to vacate the practice following his suspension.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Westville hospital rejects racism claims
THE Life Healthcare Westville Hospital has rejected claims of racial discrimination raised by protesters who picketed outside the facility's premises on Monday, demanding that Dr Ntando Peaceman Duze be immediately reinstated. Duze is being investigated by the Health Professionals Council of SA (HPCSA) and the hospital for alleged malpractice. Allegations include claims that the cardiologist performed unnecessary surgical procedures, like inserting stents on patients who claim they did not require it. The doctor's protesting supporters were of the view that Duze is the subject of unfair treatment, racism, prejudice and jealousy from some professional peers. The regional manager – East Coast of Life Healthcare, Bhaviksha Maharaj, confirmed that the hospital is aware of these allegations. 'In line with standard procedure, his admitting privileges were temporarily suspended pending a confidential internal review, conducted alongside an independent HPCSA investigation. This precautionary measure did not prevent him from practising at another facility or seeing patients in his rooms; it applied solely to hospital admissions, which is standard protocol. Also read: Protesters demand Westville hospital reinstate doctor 'Before our internal review was concluded, Dr Duze chose to end his practising relationship with the hospital. We are aware of the recent gathering that took place outside the hospital and wish to be clear that we do not take the concerns raised lightly. We reject any claims of racial discrimination and remain committed to equality, fairness, and respect for all practitioners, staff, and patients. 'While we strive to be transparent, due to the ongoing HPCSA investigation we are unable to comment on specific information to protect the integrity of the process, and all parties involved. 'The safety and well-being of our patients, employees and healthcare practitioners remain our highest priorities,' said Maharaj. Maharaj referred the media to Duze for any enquiries regarding 'clinical matters related to patient care' and added that 'all doctors at Life Westville Hospital operate as independent practitioners'. One of the protesters, Duze's practice manager, Zandi Madikizela, had alleged that Duze had not been given enough time to relocate his patients as he had only three days notice before having to vacate his practice. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here


The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Protestors demand Westville hospital reinstate doctor
PROTESTORS clad in uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party regalia gathered outside the Life Healthcare Westville Hospital on Monday to demand that Dr Ntando Peaceman Duze be immediately reinstated. Duze is being investigated by the Health Professionals Council of SA (HPCSA) and the hospital for alleged malpractice. One of the protestors, Sandile Sishi, who said Duze had in the past treated their family members, alleged mishandling of the investigation by the hospital's management. 'We want justice, we want Dr Duze to be reinstated immediately because the peer review process has been spectacularly flawed,' said Sishi. Sishi added that there was no tangible evidence to support the allegations levelled against Duze, which include that he had performed unnecessary procedures on some patients. Also read: Health Council's probe of Dr at Westville hospital at advanced stage Recently, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled in favour of TV show Carte Blanche, effectively removing an interim interdict which had prevented the airing of a segment about the doctor, which had been broadcast. Sishi alleged that the broadcast was a result of 'a gang of doctors who are against one man', and that all that was aired is not trusted by Duze's supporters. 'We will only listen to the HPCSA,' said Sishi. Duze's practice manager Zandi Madikizela, alleged that the doctor was a subject of racism, prejudice, and jealousy, the latter emanating from his professional peers. 'It is because he is black and runs a successful practice,' said Madikizela, who said evidence must be provided that Duze had performed unnecessary procedures on patients. Also read: Doctor at Westville hospital being investigated for malpractice 'Dr Duze has saved countless lives; he is in the ward from dusk till dawn,' said Madikizela, who also alleged that a doctor at the hospital had urged patients to lodge complaints against Duze even when there was no evidence to back these, and that there are SMSs which prove this claim. Madikizela added that a case has been opened against the doctor accused of pressuring patients to file complaints against Duze. KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the police in Westville have opened a case of defamation of character 'after a man allegedly had his name tarnished by another person who reportedly accused him falsely'. The hospital had yet to respond to allegations levelled against it, which include that Duze was not given enough time to relocate his patients, as he was given only three days to vacate the practice following his suspension. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here


The South African
06-08-2025
- The South African
Not enough breastfeeding for South Africa's babies
We often hear that breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies from birth. South African mothers, however have not been breastfeeding their babies enough. As South Africa observes Breastfeeding Awareness Week until 7 August, the Professional Board for Dietetics and Nutrition (PBSN) together with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) expresses concern that only 20 percent of babies in the country are exclusively breastfed. A statement by the HPCSA, shows that South Africa has failed dismally in achieving an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 50% by 2025, a global expectation target endorsed by the World Health Assembly. 'There is still a lot that needs to be done in South Africa to improve the rate of exclusive breastfeeding and to meet global targets. Recent data shows that in South Africa, 44% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks in 2021/22, down from 49% in 2019/20,' said the HPCSA. A Human Sciences Research Council Report indicates that only 20% of infants from birth to six months are exclusively breastfed in South Africa to date. Globally, 48% of infants are breastfed, while the expected target for 2025 is 50%. The revised target for breastfeeding by 2030 is 70%. Breastfeeding Awareness Week is an initiative planned by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). This year's theme is: Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. 'A sustainable breastfeeding support system is an all-of-society approach that ensures every mother has the support, environment and resources to breastfeed successfully, from the first two years of a child's life and beyond,' said WABA in a statement. According to John Hopkins Medicine, breast milk is best because: It has healthy nutrients compared to formula which are easier to absorb and digest. It contains nutrients that aid successful brain growth and nervous system development, making them fare better in intelligence tests later in life. The fat in breastmilk develops better eyesight in babies. Breastmilk consumption combats infections. Breastfed infants do not succumb to digestive, lung and ear infections. Premature babies who are breastfed are not susceptible to intestine related infections. Babies who are prone to infection while being breastfed experience less severe symptoms. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.