The TAC has expressed pleasure at new appointments for the Gauteng Department of Health, noting that Dr Aaaron Motsoaledi had “overstayed” his welcome.
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) in Gauteng has welcomed the appointment of Dr Bandile Masuku as the Gauteng MEC of health and Dr Zweli Mkhize as the national minister of health. The TAC feels that Dr Aaron Motsoaledi had overstayed his welcome as the department experienced a continued amount of distress under his leadership.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his cabinet on Wednesday, 29 May 2019, after being elected as the country’s president by the parliament, presided over by Chief-Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. Ramaphosa made history by announcing a gender equal cabinet – a first in South Africa. Although many commentators expected the deputy presidency to be occupied by a woman – namely Dr Naledi Pandor – this was unfortunately not the case, as Ramaphosa announced DavidMabuza as his second-in-command. The new cabinet is being hailed by many as one that will restore dignity and inspire investor confidence after the allegations of a “state capture”, which are currently being heard before a Commission of Inquiry headed by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Political Analysis South Africa (PASA) spoke to TAC deputy chairman, Lincoln Radebe, who says that they welcome the new cabinet, especially at the health fraternity.
“As TAC we know that when Dr Mkhize was the health MEC in KwaZulu-Natal province, he improved the primary health care in KZN. We believe that Dr Motsoaledi overstayed his welcome and was also running out of ideas”, said Radebe.
“We are happy that the new MEC of health in Gauteng pledged to work with all the civil society movement especially TAC in Gauteng,” Radebe added.
Life Esidimeni happened under the leadership of MEC for Health in Gauteng, Qedani Mahlangu, which saw people being transported to unregistered NGOs, resulting in more than 100 psychiatric patients losing their lives. PASA also spoke to the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), who also expressed content about the new cabinet, particularly the consolidation of several of the ministries. The National Director of SAJBD, Wendy Kahn, said they were committed to working with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his executive towards the creation of the country’s “new dawn”.
Kenneth Mokgatlhe
k.mokgatlhe@politicalanalysis.co.za
