Latest news with #PortfolioCommitteeonHealth
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
Government aims for zero deaths in upcoming winter initiation season
Part of the strategy includes stricter enforcement against illegal initiation schools, which often operate without trained caregivers or medical oversight. As South Africa enters the traditional winter initiation season, the government is setting an ambitious target: zero deaths among initiates. This comes after a tragic season last year, when at least 93 young boys lost their lives during cultural initiation rites across the country. On Friday, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa officially launched the 2025 Winter Initiation Season, emphasising that the safety and dignity of initiates must be the top priority. Speaking at the launch event, Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the challenges ahead but stressed that every life must be protected. 'We cannot accept any more deaths. We owe it to these young men and their families to ensure their journey into adulthood is safe, dignified, and respected,' he said. The winter season, which typically sees a spike in the number of initiation ceremonies — especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape and Limpopo — has often been marred by incidents of dehydration, sepsis, physical abuse, and, in some cases, illegal schools operating without proper oversight. To change this, Hlabisa called for stronger collaboration between traditional leaders, government departments, health professionals, and local communities. 'This is not a challenge for one sector to tackle alone. It requires all of us — government, traditional councils, families, and community members — to work together,' he said. The initiative has received backing from Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Health. Chairperson Dr. Sibongiseni Dhlomo said the committee supports the minister's zero-death goal and stressed the importance of accountability within traditional structures. 'We must continue engaging with our traditional leaders, because the role they play in overseeing these schools is crucial,' said Dr Dhlomo. 'We need to ensure that initiation practices are monitored, regulated, and rooted in both cultural integrity and safety.'
Daily Maverick
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Senior manager claims she was removed after blowing whistle on scam at Uitenhage hospital
The acting district manager for Nelson Mandela Bay's clinics and the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital claims she was removed from her position because she exposed a scam at the Uitenhage hospital. The acting district manager for Nelson Mandela Bay's clinics and Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, Sonia Lupondwana, has been removed from her position. Lupondwana claimed on Tuesday that she was being 'silenced' because she blew the whistle on a scam at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, inside which she claimed state officials were running a private hospital for payment using resources from the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The department's spokesperson, Siyanda Manana, said Lupondwana's claims were false. He confirmed that a rogue private hospital was being run from inside the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, but said that staff members, not Lupondwana, had informed the department of this. 'We are investigating. Surely we won't silence a person who means good. If we did, it means we are part of the corruption,' he said. The head of the department, Dr Rolene Wagner, wrote to Lupondwana that she had instituted an investigation into the issues raised by her. Wagner added that Lupondwana would be reassigned as the director of primary healthcare — a position that reports to the district manager. Before this, staff at the district health office lodged a litany of complaints against Lupondwana at the provincial legislature in an unsuccessful attempt to have her removed. The allegations included that Lupondwana failed to act during a life-threatening strike at the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital this month. Community cries for help in that instance led to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Health getting involved in an attempt to restore services at the hospital. Lupondwana said she failed to intervene because she had been suffering from raised blood pressure and could not deal with an emotionally charged issue like the strike. In a letter to Wagner, Lupondwana alleged that road accident files at the hospital were sold for R600 each, that car tyres were bought for private individuals using the hospital's budget and that parts of the hospital were run as a private hospital using state resources. She said she had to handle the strike without assistance. Manana said Lupondwana had been appointed to her position pending a review of the department's organisational structure. 'Her moving to her substantive post as director for primary healthcare is standard administrative practice and does not amount to a suspension or punitive action,' he said. 'Our primary objective is to improve service delivery to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. This requires teamwork, collaboration and focus. 'The department is unable to comment in detail on the ongoing internal processes, but we wish to state that no disciplinary action has been instituted against Lupondwana at this time. Any internal preliminary assessments or investigations do not equate to formal disciplinary action. 'Should formal processes be initiated, due process will be followed and the employee concerned will be informed accordingly.' Lupondwana said she had obtained a court order for her to be appointed as the district health manager, and that only the MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, could remove her.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Health Minister's remarks complicate SA's efforts to secure much-needed funding
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi briefs the media on efforts to fill the funding gap left by the US government following its decision to cut support for South Africa's response to HIV/AIDS and TB programmes. I REFER to your Friday edition: 'SA won't beg USA for funding – Motsoaledi' It is understandable to state the country won't beg but why even say it when the very statement is intended to irritate the donor. It is clear under every single set of circumstances that South Africa does not have enough funding to run its medical health systems. Already we are seeing how doctors are not being paid their overtime and other doctors can't find jobs despite the empty posts at various hospitals. We also read how hospitals are collapsing around the country. Despite this, the Health Minister wants us to believe that all is well on the ground and that all the funders are willing to come forward immediately. This statement is not convincing, and we are hearing from medical practitioners who are at the coal face they are concerned. The co-founder of the Treatment Action Campaign, Zackie Achmat,at least appeared at the Portfolio Committee on Health and his statements brought them back to reality. The warning from Achmat is that funding cuts can lead to gaps in service delivery. In essence I am saying that it does not help to make veiled threats against the very country that has been an extremely generous donor to South African health care over many, many years. MICHAEL BAGRAIM | Highlands Estate
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Committee on Health Briefed on the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Funding Withdrawal and Employment of Healthcare Professionals
The Portfolio Committee on Health received a comprehensive briefing from the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, regarding the recent withdrawal of funding from the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). During the briefing, Minister Motsoaledi highlighted PEPFAR's critical role in supporting various health initiatives, stating that approximately 7.8 million South Africans are living with HIV/AIDS, the highest number globally. The Minister emphasised that PEPFAR funding has been instrumental in addressing the needs of the 27 high-burden districts, which were selected for support based on specific criteria. During the discussions on the US withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, committee members had questions about the immediate and long-term implications of this decision. Members expressed concern that the suspension of funding could lead to significant disruptions in HIV prevention and treatment services, particularly in these 27 high-burden districts that rely heavily on PEPFAR support. The committee also questioned the contingency plans that have been put in place for maintaining service delivery, the potential impact on patient care, and how the department intends to support the healthcare workforce affected by the funding cut. The committee sought clarity on how the government plans to address the anticipated shortfall and the measures that will be put in place to ensure that those living with HIV continue to receive the care they need. Committee members emphasised the need for South Africa to strengthen its sovereignty in health matters and reduce reliance on foreign funding. They also highlighted that the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding serves as a wake-up call for the country to develop sustainable healthcare solutions independent of external influences. Members urged the Minister to prioritise local production of essential medications, such as antiretrovirals (ARV), and to explore innovative funding mechanisms that could support health initiatives without depending on foreign aid. Clarifying the situation regarding ARV treatment, the Minister reiterated that South Africa relies primarily on its own budget for ARVs, with approximately 90% of the medication being locally funded. The briefing also covered issues related to the lack of employment for healthcare professionals, including doctors, with members expressing deep concern about the rising numbers of qualified healthcare professionals who are unable to find employment in the public sector. The committee questioned the long-term implications of this trend on the healthcare sector, noting that an adequate workforce is essential for delivering effective health services, especially in underserved areas. Committee members questioned the Minister about the current vacancy rates for medical positions and urged him to outline specific strategies for integrating newly qualified doctors into the healthcare system. Suggestions made included the need for a streamlined recruitment process, the development of internship programmes that guarantee employment upon completion, and collaboration with provincial health departments to prioritise hiring in areas with the greatest need. The committee urged the Minister to explore strategies for absorbing newly qualified healthcare practitioners into the public healthcare system. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
