Latest news with #AluluthoMazwi
IOL News
23-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Samatu calls for investigation following death of KZN medical intern at hospital
An intern doctor, who had been ill, died while on duty at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi this week. Image: Independent Newspapers Archives The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has called for an investigation into the death of a medical intern doctor at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi. Dr Alulutho Mazwi, who died on Monday reportedly while on duty at the hospita,l had recently been diagnosed with diabetes. It is alleged that he had been ill, but had been instructed to work. The KZN Department of Health conveyed its condolences regarding Dr Mazwi's passing but has not yet addressed the allegations. Samatu condemned the intern's death, describing it as a result of 'inhumane treatment.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Samatu in KwaZulu-Natal is saddened by the passing of a medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital who was forced to report for duty by his superiors despite his ill-health,' the union said in a statement. 'This devastating incident highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable working conditions and treatment that most junior doctors, especially interns, are subjected to by their supervisors.' The union noted that junior doctors often face threats of not being signed off for completing their rotations if they raise concerns. 'We as doctors still ill-treat each other instead of standing in solidarity against all these challenges,' it said. It has called for the hospital's management to conduct a full investigation and said it remains committed to fighting for the welfare of all doctors. The Democratic Alliance's KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imraan Keeka, has reiterated calls for a thorough investigation. 'We extend our most profound condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of a young intern doctor who passed away at Durban's Prince Mshiyeni Hospital on Tuesday,' he said. 'It is alleged that the young man was overworked by one of his senior doctors despite the knowledge that he was very ill at the time. We have also noted the call by Samatu for a full investigation into Dr Mazwi's untimely death and we strongly reiterate this call,' Keeka said. He confirmed that a senior official from the provincial Department of Health had already visited the hospital to establish what had happened but stressed that this alone was not enough. 'There must be consequences for the senior doctor's actions. This could range from criminal charges and then charges of professional misconduct with the HPCSA (Health Processions Council of South Africa), and eventually possibly even a loss of job.' Dr Keeka added: 'The ill-treatment, bullying, overworking and inhumane treatment of some junior doctors by senior doctors is not unusual and not unknown, yet far too many remain suffering in silence for fear of reprisal. And now one such doctor has lost his life.' Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health in Parliament, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has also expressed his condolences and called for urgent introspection within the health system. 'We recognise the immense loss felt by the hospital staff, who witnessed the intern's struggle and the impact of systemic failures in our healthcare system,' he said. Dr Dhlomo said the death of a promising young doctor who had only recently been diagnosed with diabetes and was still working despite serious health challenges 'should have been managed with the utmost urgency and care.'
Daily Maverick
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
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
TimesLIVE
20-05-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Pickets outside Umlazi hospital after death of doctor ‘bullied' into working
Labour organisations are calling on the KwaZulu-Natal health department to issue a public apology and acknowledgment of systematic abuse of junior staff and structural reforms at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital after the death of a medical intern last week. Alulutho Mazwi, 25, an intern doctor at the Umlazi-based hospital who was diabetic, died while on duty last week after allegedly being made to work despite reporting he was unwell. His death and the circumstances leading up to it have raised questions regarding the treatment of junior staff, specially interns, by their superiors in the hospital. There have since been calls for accountability and systematic reforms from the public and political and labour organisations. The provincial health department said an investigation into the allegations of bullying in the lead-up to Mazwi's death is under way, and the supervising consultant who allegedly forced him to work despite his ill health has been placed on precautionary leave. Despite the measures, the Public Servants Association (PSA) led a picket outside the hospital on Tuesday to raise concerns about working conditions, infrastructure and governance at the hospital. The union, joined by the SA Federation of Trade Unions, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), said the incident highlighted the "toxic" environment junior staff are subjected to at the hospital, including bullying, overwork and overall leadership failure.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
News you should know tonight: Top 5 stories you may have missed on May 19, 2025
The Health Ombudsman has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an intern doctor, Dr Alulutho Mazwi at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. Good evening, IOL News family! It's Monday, May 19, 2025 and it's time for a wrap of the biggest headlines making waves in South Africa and beyond. Don't forget to join the IOL WhatsApp Channel to stay in tune, informed and in the know. Why Ramaphosa left out Afrikaners in Trump talks: Analysts explain the strategy Political analysts suggest that President Cyril Ramaphosa deliberately left out Afrikaner nationalist leaders from his US visit with President Donald Trump to maintain unity within the GNU and ensure the delegation remains focused on its main read on, click here. Health ombudsman launches investigation into the death of intern doctor at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital The Health Ombudsman, Professor Taole Mokoena, has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of an intern doctor, Dr Alulutho Mazwi at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. To read on, click here. How Budget 2025-26 could reshape service delivery and accountability Analysts have emphasised the need for the National Treasury to allocate more resources toward improving service delivery, complemented by stronger accountability measures to ensure efficiency and transparency as the Finance Minister prepares to present the '3.0 Budget' for the 2025-26 financial year. To read on, click here. Seven Gauteng teenagers arrested after viral bullying video emerges Seven teenage girls have been arrested in Gauteng in connection with a bullying video that has since gone viral on social media. To read on, click here. Medical condition: R10 million theft case at President Ramaphosa's farm postponed The case against Imanuwela David, Froliana Joseph and Ndilinasho Joseph relating to the break-in and theft at President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala game farm returned to court on Monday. To read on, click here. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL News
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Health Minister calls for ombud investigation into medical intern's death at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
Dr Alulutho Mazwi died on Monday while he was on duty. It is alleged that he had been feeling ill but was instructed to work. Image: Supplied Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has called for the health ombud to investigate the death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, south of Durban last Monday. This comes after calls by unions and government officials within the health sector for a thorough investigation into his death. Mazwi was allegedly made to work despite reporting he was unwell before he collapsed while on duty. In a statement late on Friday night, ministry spokesperson Sello Lediga said while the minister had not received any official report from the province, he contacted the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane. 'The Minister believes that considering the severity of this matter, a senior professional with relevant academic and professional experience in this area will be appropriate to investigate this matter urgently. 'In his opinion, the Health Ombud fits the mould of such a medical professional, himself having been a medical intern, medical registrar, medical consultant and a professor who headed a department, therefore has a deep understanding of how the system works,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Health Ombud is an independent body established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013, with responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by considering, investigating, and disposing of complaints in the national health system relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards. Health ombud, Professor Taole Resetselemang Mokoena, who was appointed in 2023, previously chaired a panel for the investigation of surgical deaths at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 1996/7 and the panel of inquiry into discrimination within the Cardiology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Mokoena, according to the Ministry, has the authority to issue subpoenas to obtain any necessary information. 'Minister Motsoaledi extends his heartfelt condolences to Dr Mazwi's family and colleagues and hopes that the investigation will help get to the bottom of this matter.' According to reports, the 25-year-old was recently diagnosed with diabetes. The DA's KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imraan Keeka, said it was alleged that Mazwi was overworked by one of his senior doctors despite the knowledge that he was very ill at the time. The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) said this incident highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable working conditions and treatment that most junior doctors, especially interns, are subjected to by their supervisors. The union noted that junior doctors often face threats of not being signed off for completing their rotations if they raise concerns. The Public Servants Association (PSA) said Mazwi's death was preventable and claimed that this incident reflects systemic problems at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, including 'inhumane working conditions, autocratic leadership, and abuse of power.' 'The PSA previously picketed and delivered memoranda to the Head of Department and the MEC for Health, raising serious concerns about the ill-treatment of staff. To date, no meaningful investigation or intervention has been conducted,' it said. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed on Friday that a supervisor at the hospital had been placed on precautionary suspension. MEC Simelane urged interns at the hospital to come forward and voice their grievances, particularly in cases of perceived bullying or ill-treatment. The KZN Health Department said three other dedicated healthcare workers died this week. Last Sunday, Dr Siyabonga Zulu, a Medical Officer in the Department of Anaesthesia at Ngwelezane Hospital, tragically died, while on Tuesday, Mvelo Cele, a radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital, died. Dr Tumelo Kgaladi, who worked at the Addington Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology unit, died at his home in Clare Estate. The details surrounding the deaths of these three healthcare workers were not disclosed by the Department. The Department stated that these consecutive losses have left a significant void, particularly at a time when their skills, experience, and passion are greatly needed in the healthcare system. 'Each of them represented a future filled with promise, professional excellence, and the ability to inspire and uplift those around them.' The MEC extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of these healthcare workers. '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,' said Simelane.
