Latest news with #GautengProvincialLegislature
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Grateful patient gives back to hospital
Sebokeng Hospital's former patient Sandile Hela (11), has shown his gratitude to the hospital through a gesture that will live in the hearts of patients as well staff inside the Hospital's Paediatric Ward. The grade 5 pupil was treated at the unit after a schooler transport accident that left him with multiple fractures in both legs & one arm, kidney trauma & blood loss. Hela together with his family invited the MEC for Health & Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to come and witness their gratitude to the hospital after the care and comfort they received. The family donated fleece blankets, teddy bears, & toys to young patients admitted at the Paediatric Ward. Sebokeng Hospital's spokesperson Lerato Sedulawesi says, 'In April this year, we shared a compliment sent to the hospital by Sandile's mom, Nomsa Hela who described him as 'almost lifeless' when he was wheeled into the emergency unit after the accident but walked out on his own after the recovery.' While presenting the gifts, Nomsa shared a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sebokeng Hospital for saving her son's life. After a long recovery and over a year of physiotherapy at the hospital, Sandile is now back on his feet. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko invited Sandile and his family as her special guests to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature during the 2025 Budget Vote. Nkomo-Ralehoko described Sandile's recovery as a powerful example of the life-changing impact of a compassionate, well-functioning public health system. 'It saves lives. It restores dignity. And it gives families like the Hela's a second chance at life.'
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Dehumanising people for social media clout: Bishop Dulton Adams on Open Chats podcast
Open Chats Podcast has sparked a profound uproar across South Africa, disrupting the nation's dialogue on race, dignity, and freedom of speech. Image: X Leader of the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Bishop Dulton Adams, has added his voice to the multiple organisations and individuals condemning the recent racist comments made on the "Open Chats Podcast". IOL has recently reported that the conversations on the podcast have ignited widespread outrage, prompting a strong and heartfelt response from members of the Coloured community and public figures alike. The remarks, which perpetuated harmful stereotypes and offensive generalisations about Coloured people, sparked a backlash that continues to reverberate across social media and beyond. Adams said the remarks made in the show are repugnant, dehumanising, and rooted in racist and colonial narratives long used to ridicule, humiliate, and marginalise the Coloured community. "We strongly condemn and reject a deeply offensive and defamatory TikTok video currently circulating on social media, which falsely and maliciously suggests that members of the Coloured community engage in incestuous relationships. This abhorrent stereotype is not only factually baseless, but it is repugnant, dehumanising, and rooted in racist, classist, and colonial narratives long used to ridicule, humiliate, and marginalise our people," said Adams. "Let us be unequivocal: this type of content is not humour, it is hate speech. It reflects not only the ignorance of its creator but a broader societal sickness where certain communities, especially Coloured South Africans, are routinely degraded for entertainment." 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 ✕ Adams said it is particularly disturbing that in a democratic society, one built on values of dignity, equality, and mutual respect, there are still individuals who feel entitled to dehumanise other people for social media clout. "To the creator of this video and anyone complicit in sharing or laughing at it: you are perpetuating dangerous bigotry. You are not 'just joking'. You are upholding the very systems of oppression that reduce our identities to caricatures and invalidate our humanity," he said. "Our community is one of deep cultural richness, resilience, and dignity. We are professionals, educators, leaders, artists, parents, and change-makers. We will not allow our story to be rewritten by internet trolls whose only currency is ignorance." The clergyman called on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to urgently review and remove this harmful content under their community guidelines regarding hate speech and harassment. "Furthermore, we call on civil society, content creators, and ordinary South Africans of conscience to stand up against racism and slander masquerading as satire. Silence is complicity," said Adams. "Finally, we remind all South Africans that freedom of expression is not a license to defame, ridicule, or psychologically harm others. We will explore all available legal and regulatory avenues to hold the creator of this video accountable."
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Lesufi's suspension decision praised
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi suspended two community safety officials amid financial irregularities The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety says Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi's decision to suspend two community safety officials amid a financial irregularities probe reflects a strong commitment to ethical governance. Provincial community safety head of department (HOD), Nontsikelelo Sisulu, and the department's chief financial officer, Mduduzi Malope, were suspended by the premier with immediate effect on Tuesday. Suspensions Lesufi explained that the suspensions are a precautionary measure to ensure fair and unbiased investigations.. The portfolio committee said the chairperson, Bandile Masuku, had taken note of the suspensions. 'The Committee welcomes the decisive intervention by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, which reflects a strong commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and accountability within the Provincial administration.' ALSO READ: Lesufi suspends two community safety officials amid financial irregularities probe 'Irregularities' It said both the HOD and CFO regularly appeared before the Committee to present reports on the department's financial performance. 'No indications of such irregularities were evident during these engagements, raising important questions about the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms. 'In response, the Committee is calling on the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to review and strengthen its Sector Oversight Model to ensure more rigorous scrutiny of departmental financial performance, 'it said. Accountability measures The committee said it will also implement more robust accountability measures and intensify efforts to detect and prevent financial mismanagement. 'The Committee will continue to monitor this matter closely and will engage the premier's office and other relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate action is taken and that public trust is restored.' Forensic reports The committee said it will also ask for a full briefing on the forensic report and explore further measures to strengthen financial controls and accountability. On Sunday, Lesufi announced that he had removed or reshuffled several heads of departments within the Gauteng provincial government due to a series of under expenditure and underperformance by departments, lifestyle audits, and failures to meet performance targets in some instances. The shake-up comes after forensic investigation reports were released, detailing corruption and maladministration. ALSO READ: Is Joburg ready to host G20? Gauteng on frenzy to repair potholes and streetlights [VIDEO]
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Lesufi commended for suspending top officials amid corruption investigation in Gauteng
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced the suspension of two officials from the Gauteng Department of Public Safety following the outcomes of a forensic investigation. Image: Gauteng Gov / X The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety have both welcomed and commended Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for taking action against two senior officials at the provincial Department of Community Safety. This comes after Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the suspension with immediate effect of the Department of Community Safety HOD, Nontsikelelo Sisulu, and the department's Chief Financial Officer, Mduduzi Malope. The suspensions on Tuesday come just days after Lesufi announced the conclusion of a forensic investigation by the Provincial Forensic Audit Unit within the Office of the Premier, which uncovered financial irregularities in the department. On Sunday, Lesufi released several reports following multiple investigations into serious offences and corruption across multiple departments and entities within the provincial government. The reports covered a wide range of misconduct, from criminal acts to minor breaches of conduct. Lesufi said the two suspensions are a precaution to ensure fair and unbiased investigations. 'The provincial government is committed to restoring public trust by upholding the highest standards of integrity. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance against corruption and misconduct. Through proactive and corrective measures, we will strengthen governance, ensure the ethical and responsible use of public funds, and safeguard the interests of Gauteng residents,' said Lesufi. As a result, Lesufi indicated that an acting HOD and CFO will be appointed to ensure continuity of service delivery, with DA shadow MEC of Community Safety, Crezane Bosch, saying this tough stance against corrupt officials should be commended. "Premier Panyaza Lesufi's zero-tolerance approach should be applauded. However, we will withhold comment until we see the forensic investigation. The annual reports of the departments of the provincial government report incidents of financial irregularities every year. Why only now? Were these two? Are they sacrificial lambs?" ventured Bosch. On Wednesday, portfolio committee chairperson, Dr Bandile Masuku, said Lesufi's decision reflects a strong commitment to ethical governance, transparency, and accountability within the provincial administration. "As the oversight body for the Department of Community Safety, the committee views this development with serious concern, particularly as both the HOD and CFO regularly appeared before the committee to present reports on the department's financial performance," said Masuku. In response, Masuku indicated that the committee is calling on the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to review and strengthen its Sector Oversight Model to ensure more rigorous scrutiny of departmental financial performance, including ensuring that committees implement more robust accountability measures and intensifying efforts to detect and prevent financial mismanagement. "The committee strongly condemns any acts of corruption or financial misconduct within public institutions, especially within a department whose core mandate is to safeguard the lives and well-being of the people of Gauteng. Those entrusted with positions of authority must uphold the highest standards of integrity and service. "The committee will continue to monitor this matter closely and will engage the Premier's Office and other relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate action is taken and that public trust is restored. It will further seek a full briefing on the forensic report and explore further measures to strengthen financial controls and accountability." During his Sunday address, Lesufi announced multiple changes and reshuffles due to serious underspending amounting to R1.8 billion within affected departments, with reshuffles following the recommendations from the Gauteng Ethics and Advisory Council (GEAC). "I also indicated that there were departments that underspent seriously. The total underspend at that time stood at R1.8 billion, which has now gone to R1.3 billion after the authorisation of some of the transactions that we requested to be carried over," Lesufi said. Meanwhile, DA's shadow MEC of Health, Jack Bloom, accused Lesufi of "backtracking" on the removal of Health Department Head Lesiba Malotana after indicating weeks ago that his axing was "being finalised". "On 17 July, Lesufi announced that he was removing three heads of department who failed their lifestyle audits and said the health position was being finalised. This weekend, he announced new and acting heads for departments, but the one for health is 'pending'. He was clearly intending to replace Malotana, but it seems there is heavy pushback from entrenched interests," Bloom said.
The Star
03-08-2025
- Health
- The Star
DA raises alarm over rising nosocomial infections in Gauteng hospitals
The Democratic Alliance has sounded the alarm over what it calls a 'growing health crisis' in Gauteng's public hospitals, where an increasing number of patients are reportedly contracting new infections due to unsanitary conditions, overcrowding, and neglect. This revelation follows a DA inquiry in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, which revealed that 7,743 patients acquired nosocomial infections while receiving care in public hospitals in 2024, many of them antibiotic-resistant and potentially life-threatening. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, explained that the infections, known as nosocomial infections, occur when patients contract illnesses during their hospital stay that are unrelated to their original condition. He pointed out that Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH) had the highest incidence, with 1,473 out of 12,940 patients in 2024 contracting nosocomial infections, an alarming 11%, meaning roughly one in every ten patients was affected. Bloom also stated that nosocomial infections are more prevalent in higher-level hospitals due to the nature of their work, treating more complex cases, longer patient stays, frequent invasive procedures, and increased antibiotic use. He lamented that many of these infections are easily preventable with proper hygiene and stricter infection control measures. 'I am concerned that many patients are getting infections that can be easily avoided with basic improvements like decent cleaning and adequate linen. Imagine the extra pain and suffering of patients who pick up infections that extend their stay in the hospital and can even be life-threatening.' He also emphasised that linen shortages are a contributing factor, forcing patients to reuse bedding and pyjamas for extended periods. 'Surgical patients, in particular, face increased risks due to the hospital's inability to provide clean linen both before and after operations,' said Bloom. However, Bloom stressed that while a certain number of hospital-acquired infections may occur even in well-managed facilities, urgent intervention is needed at the most affected institutions, particularly Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. He added that this is yet another reason why the hospital's CEO, Gladys Bogoshi, should be swiftly replaced with a capable and experienced professional. In response to the alarming surge in hospital-acquired infections, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said several crucial measures have been implemented to curb the spread of nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety across public hospitals. 'A dedicated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) committee has been established to oversee the implementation of IPC guidelines across healthcare facilities in the province. This committee convenes monthly to identify and address challenges faced by these facilities.' He further stated that Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, assured that an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) evaluation was conducted to gauge compliance with infection control measures in healthcare facilities. The results were shared with hospital management, and six facilities were flagged as underperforming during the assessment. "Six healthcare facilities were identified as underperforming during the IPCAF assessment, leading to enforcement letters being issued to the CEOs of those hospitals. The IPC committee conducted follow-up visits to non-compliant hospitals, guiding them to develop Quality Improvement Plans and monitor their implementation," said Modiba. Modiba stressed that the department has rolled out a province-wide monitoring system to track and respond to hospital-acquired infections, with teams conducting regular checks to detect outbreaks early. 'IPC practitioners conduct daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance activities to monitor infection trends and identify microorganisms responsible for HAIs,' Modiba said. Modiba added that Antimicrobial Stewardship teams have been established to ensure antibiotics are used correctly and to curb resistance. He also noted that the department is offering refresher training for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practitioners. 'This training equips healthcare workers with up-to-date IPC practices, and participants are awarded a certificate of competence upon completion,' he said. Other hospitals with a worrying number of hospital-acquired infections include: Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) - 1796 (6%) out of 31 950 admissions. Edenvale Hospital - 407 (8%) out of 5166 admissions. Kalafong Hospital - 554 (6%) out of 8952 admissions. Tembisa Hospital - 596 (5%) out of 13 116 admissions. Rahima Moosa Hospital - 217 (5%) out of 4320 admissions. Leratong Hospital - 365 (4%) out of 1026 admissions. Pholosong Hospital - 249 (4%) out of 5796 admissions. The Star [email protected]
