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Dear Premier Mtsweni-Tsipane,

I am writing to bring to your attention some critical issues concerning the eMalahleni Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) that demand your urgent attention.

Regrettably, the eMalahleni TCC does not meet the national standards set for a 24-hour operational model. The Department of Health's hospital management has assigned only one forensic nurse to the TCC during daytime hours. Consequently, survivors seeking assistance during nighttime are redirected to the casualty area, exposing them to various forms of secondary victimisation.

Premier Mtsweni-Tsipane, it is crucial to bring to your attention that the hospital is perpetuating a concerning form of secondary victimisation. According to the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse in 1985, secondary victimisation is defined as victimisation that occurs not as a direct result of a criminal act but through the response of institutions and individuals to the victim. 

Recognising the gravity of this issue, I firmly believe that the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) model must play a pivotal role in alleviating secondary victimisation trauma for survivors, ensuring that the entire process unfolds within a dignified and supportive environment.

One concerning issue is that nurses and doctors at the hospital prioritise examining rape victims only after addressing other emergency matters. Consequently, victims endure prolonged waiting periods before receiving the necessary medical attention. Moreover, when police bring crime kits to the eMalahleni Hospital, these sensitive materials are exposed in the casualty area, compromising the privacy and dignity of rape victims.

Compounding this issue is the necessity for police to transport victims to the Impunge Hospital outside eMalahleni, where no care centre is available to provide proper care. The National Prosecution Authority staff's limited visits to Impunge Hospital exacerbates the problem by hindering efforts to trace victims efficiently.

It is disheartening that during the 16 days of activism recently launched, secondary victimisation continues at the eMalahleni Hospital. In light of these concerns, we ask that you answer the following pressing questions: 

When do you plan to establish a link between the TCC and sexual offences courts involving skilled prosecutors, social workers, magistrates, NGOs, and police?

When will Thuthuzela's integrated approach to rape care, focusing on respect, comfort, dignity restoration, and justice, be fully implemented?

When can we expect the appointment of full-time personnel to the TCC?

When will the TCC be operational 24 hours to cater to the needs of rape victims?

It is important to note that victims who report rape should be removed from intimidating environments, such as police stations, and placed in a victim-friendly space before transportation to the Thuthuzela Care Centre. 

ActionSA believes that the success of the Thuthuzela Care Centre hinges on the presence of professional medical personnel and legal support services. This ensures the support and cooperation between victims and institutions throughout the reporting, investigation, and prosecution phases, ultimately leading to the conviction of the offender.

We look forward to your timely response.

Issued by ActionSA Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson, Thoko Mashiane