The Inkatha Freedom Party in KwaZulu-Natal is convinced that the KZN Premier Willies Mchunu has given MECs in his cabinet a mandate to do as they please knowing that there would be no consequences regarding their failures.
“The failure by the Premier to remove KZN MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo from his position due to the crisis in the Department of Health is a clear indication that the Premier is not concerned about the health of the citizens of the province. MEC Dhlomo has failed dismally to solve the health crisis in the province and by protecting the MEC, the Premier is sending a clear message to all other members of his Cabinet that they can do as they please because they will not be removed from their positions,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL.
“We are of the view that the Premier himself is between a rock and a hard place as he himself can be removed at any time from his position. Now he is afraid of taking drastic action against the MEC of Health because he is afraid that if he removes him he might also be removed from his position as Premier. We expect the Premier to rise above politics and show bold leadership by removing Dr Dhlomo. We can no longer tolerate having a failed MEC that is gambling with peoples’ lives,” continued Mrs Nkwanyana.
“As the IFP we perceive this action by the Premier and the ANC as a demonstration that it would do anything to protect Dr Dhlomo, even if it meant sacrificing the province’s sick people. It is clear that the HOD of Health, Dr Sifiso Mtshali is being used as a scapegoat and is being made to take responsibility for indiscretions committed long before his time. When Dr Mtshali was appointed in July 2015, MEC Dhlomo is quoted as saying “We have full faith in Dr Mtshali’s ability to run this Department’s R32 billion budget, which is geared towards the prevention and management of diseases in this Province”. Why is it that Dr Mtshali is being asked to account for mismanagement that occurred prior to his appointment? We will not let the ANC drag the whole province down with Dhlomo who is clearly unable to turn around the health department,” concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.
The IFP calls on the ANC and the KZN Premier not to reward failed comrades by protecting them while poor people are suffering.
Issued by:
Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Health
078 302 3991