ActionSA files Human Rights Commission complaints over cancer equipment neglect

ActionSA says it has filed a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the Mpumalanga Department of Health after the department neglected to repair a cancer machine, originally costing only R87,000, since 2012.

ACTIONSA EXPOSES DYSFUNCTIONAL HOSPITAL IN MPUMALANGA

As a result, patients in the rural area of Nkomazi are being denied their basic human rights, as the government has failed to address the needs of those with stage 1 cancer, said Thoko Mashiane, the party’s Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson.
“This neglect has persisted for 11 years, leaving individuals without the means for public treatment or alternative options in a distressing situation, ultimately facing the prospect of death due to the incompetence of the Mpumalanga Department of Health,” she said.

“ActionSA believes that the right to healthcare is a fundamental human right crucial for the well-being of every South African. Unfortunately, echoing the devastating consequences of the collapse of public healthcare across the country, cancer patients in Mpumalanga encounter the denial of these rights as a consequence of the government’s sheer incompetence,” she added.

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HOW THE CANCER EQUIPMENT CAN BE REVITALISED

Mashiane advised that overcoming these barriers necessitates a comprehensive approach, improved performance of the public health institutions, cancer control plans, the effective implementation of legislation, and the fulfilment of state obligations.

“We urge the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to investigate the issue concerning Shongwe Hospital’s failure to repair the cancer machine, purchased for R87,000 in 2012,” she appealed.

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MASHABA CONDUCTS OVERSIGHT VISIT AT BEITBRIDGE

Meanwhile, Party President Herman Mashaba recently visited the Beitbridge Border Post alongside ActionSA Limpopo Premier Candidate, Kgoshi Letsiri Phaahla.
Describing his experience, Mashaba said, “I saw first-hand the dysfunctional state of the facility which – despite having recently been upgraded – is still plagued by inefficiencies and corruption allegations. Only a few meters from the border post, there are gaping holes in border fencing which easily allows people to cross the border illegally, and for goods and drugs to be smuggled into our communities”.

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