Mpumalanga hospital stormers say they’re not thugs but fighting corruption

Themba Hospital in KaBokweni, in the city of Mbombela, remains under heavy police and private security guard after it was closed last Thursday following a violent protest by a local business forum, which interrupted the administering of healthcare services to patients.

Some healthcare workers were allegedly assaulted in the process.

The protestors were angry over alleged corruption in tender processes at the health facility.

Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, says they have moved patients to other facilities and beefed-up security at the hospital.

She has condemned what she describes as “ill-discipline” among community members.

However, a member of the business forum that’s in the eye of the storm says they are not thugs.

The man, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal, says they are only fighting with the thugs that are within the hospital.

He claims that corruption is steep at the hospital to a point where people are even sold jobs.

Some members of the community feel that the people in higher positions are not following up on
the hiring of people and the issuing of tenders, which in turn leads to corruption.

Action SA in Mpumalanga has also written to the MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi
Shongwe, urging him to ensure that health workers are able to go back to work in a safe environment.

The party’s Thoko Mashiane says should Mpumalanga vote them to lead the province in the May 29 elections, they will offer caring and inclusive governance.

She says the party will implement a proper action plan to ensure that all residents have access to quality primary healthcare. Written by Y Correspondent, Pleasure Nkosi