Nursing staff and patients at the Tembisa Hospital, which is currently worth over R2 billion, recount a horrifying story of how services have long deteriorated amid widespread thievery.
The Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) interim report presents a sobering image of syndicates embezzling the money from the medical facility. Assassinated whistleblower Babita Deokaran raised concerns about around R850 million, but the sum now syphoned has startlingly increased. In the midst of thievery, Tembisa Hospital employees and patients describe “horrid” care.
Many South Africans are in shock over the widespread looting at the Tembisa Hospital. Additionally, according to the SIU, some of the syndicates that were allegedly engaged in the looting spent millions of dollars on expensive vehicles, including a Bentley, at least four Lamborghinis, and even a boat.
Not only that, but according to Andy Mothibi of the Special Investigating Unit, “the repercussions of the illicit gains are hitting patients and staff the most.” Tembisa locals who depend on this facility for services express their amazement.
Two patients are discussing the dire circumstances. A depressing story is told by nurses who spoke to SABC News under the condition of anonymity.One of the residents complains, “At this point, I do not even know if the hospital will have medication for my wife, the way things are bad, she is sick.”
“We depend on Tembisa Hospital for assistance, and when these occur, we lose hope,” another person adds. As a community, we are completely unhappy. Nurses are vocal. “This hurts so much. The hospital is collapsing. One nurse explains, “We work in challenging conditions and there is a shortage of nurses.”
Dismay is also shown by another nurse. According to industry unions, the SIU should expand its probe to include additional facilities in the province since the rot is far deeper.Nhlanhla Mthize, the provincial secretary for Hospersa, discusses expanding the scope of investigations.
The entire force of the law must be applied to those who plunder. Mzikayise Tshontshi, the provincial secretary for Nehawu, is in favour of justice.
The larger Tembisa community must suffer as enquiries into how billions of dollars’ worth of resources were taken away from this institution continue.
Sub-Editor: Matlala Kgaugelo
