A recent report from the Auditor-General reveals a severe breakdown of the public health system in the Northern Cape, prompting the Public Servants Association to demand urgent intervention. The findings describe a situation of profound mismanagement, financial waste, and leadership failures, resulting in dangerous conditions for patients and healthcare workers. Critical medical equipment is frequently broken, facilities are deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance, and outdated manual systems cause significant delays.
The department accrued over R500 million in irregular expenditure, while hundreds of unfilled positions for medical staff have left remaining employees overwhelmed. Patients experience surgery cancellations, medicine shortages, and unsafe buildings. The PSA asserts these systemic failures violate the constitutional right to healthcare. The union is calling for the immediate filling of all vacant positions, a transition to digital systems, and infrastructure upgrades. It also demands accountability for officials responsible for the financial mismanagement and has threatened public demonstrations if no action is taken.
The department accrued over R500 million in irregular expenditure, while hundreds of unfilled positions for medical staff have left remaining employees overwhelmed. Patients experience surgery cancellations, medicine shortages, and unsafe buildings. The PSA asserts these systemic failures violate the constitutional right to healthcare. The union is calling for the immediate filling of all vacant positions, a transition to digital systems, and infrastructure upgrades. It also demands accountability for officials responsible for the financial mismanagement and has threatened public demonstrations if no action is taken.
