In the midst of rampant looting at the Tembisa Hospital, now standing at over R2 billion, nursing staff and patients tell a horrid tale of how services have long deteriorated.
An interim report released by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) paints a grim picture of syndicates capturing the healthcare facility’s funds.
The amount now siphoned has shockingly ballooned from the over R850 million that was flagged by assassinated whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
Tembisa Hospital staff, patients describe ‘horrid’ service amid looting
The wide-scale looting at the Tembisa Hospital has left many South African’s with their jaws on the floor. And what the SIU believes some of the syndicates allegedly involved in the looting did: splashed millions on luxury cars – at least four Lamborghinis, a Bentley and even a boat.
But that’s not all, as the Special Investigating Unit’s Andy Mothibi says, “The repercussions of the illicit gains are hitting patients and staff the most.”
Residents here in Tembisa who rely on this facility for services say they are gobsmacked. Two patients are talking about how bad the situation is.
Nurses who spoke to SABC News on condition of anonymity tell a sad tale.
“At this point, I don’t even know if the hospital will have medication for my wife, the way things are bad, she is sick,” laments one resident.
Another adds, “We rely on Tembisa Hospital for help, and when these happen, we lose hope. We are not happy at all as a community.”
Nurses speak out. “This is so painful. The hospital is falling apart. There is a shortage of nurses and we work under difficult conditions,” says one nurse. Another nurse also expresses dismay.
Industry unions believe the rot goes much deeper and the SIU should cast its investigations wider to other facilities in the province.
Hospersa provincial secretary Nhlanhla Mthize talks about widening the scope of investigations. Those who looted must face the full might of the law.
Nehawu provincial secretary Mzikayise Tshontshi wants justice.
While investigations continue into how this facility was stripped of billions in resources, it’s the greater Tembisa community that has to suffer.
