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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Northern Cape Department of Health to urgently review the appointment of permanent cleaner positions at the Abraham Esau Hospital, as it reeks of cadre deployment.

This comes after nine cleaners, some of whom worked at the hospital for between ten and eighteen years through positions with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) or through temporary contracts with the department, were overlooked for permanent positions following a decision to insource the cleaning function. They believe this is due to their political affiliation and their lack of ties to connected individuals.

After having applied for the positions in July last year, having been placed on the shortlist and having undergone interviews, all nine of the experienced cleaners were replaced by interns, who had worked as administrative officers. The successful applicants have no cleaning experience but are believed to be politically connected, with links to influential managers.

The nine cleaners had to wait for over six months to learn their fate. This interim period further compromised the wellbeing of patients and the quality of health care, due to the impact this had hospital cleanliness and hygiene.

I have written to the MEC and HOD of Health, as well as the hospital and district manager, asking that the positions are immediately frozen to allow for an investigation into the appointment process and a subsequent review of the appointments.

From cleaners to doctors, the health system needs to ensure that it appoints fit-for-purpose workers, with the necessary experience and dedication, to help save the provincial health system from further collapse. This should be done transparently and fairly, devoid of any kind of personal or political favouritism.

Issued by Dr Isak Fritz, MPL - DA Northern Cape Spokesperson of Health