‘Secrecy’ over MEC’s exit fuels outrage amid health crisis

THE “SECRECY” surrounding the resignation of the Northern Cape MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene, which was announced on November 5 following weeks of speculation and uncertainty, has been criticised as undermining public trust.

Lekwene also serves as the provincial chairperson of the SACP and the ANC’s deputy provincial secretary.

EFF provincial chairperson Shadrack Tlhaole pointed out that two weeks had passed before the resignation was formally communicated.

“It is a blatant disrespect for legislative oversight, accountability, and transparency. This is deeply concerning, given the current health challenges - from collapsing infrastructure and staff shortages to the ongoing emergency medical services crisis. The department is too critical to be left in uncertainty and administrative limbo,” said Thlaole.

He added that the speculation had created unnecessary instability.

“The people of the province have been left in the dark over critical matters of importance.”

FF+ MPL Theo Joubert said the resignation exposed the financial, administrative, and moral decay at the Department of Health under Lekwene’s leadership.

“The Department of Health should be placed under administration, as it has become an institutional failure. The Auditor-General’s latest report highlighted, among others, irregular expenditure amounting to R15.5 billion, incomplete infrastructure projects, and a lack of consequence management.”

Joubert called for a forensic audit into all tenders concluded since 2019, and for criminal charges to be instituted.

The Northern Cape Department of Health failed to comment this week on the unpaid overtime of clinical staff, who have threatened to stop working beyond the regulated 45 hours per week.

The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa) provincial chairperson, Paul Gras, said a commitment had been made to pay the overtime for emergency medical services by November 15, although they were still awaiting feedback on funding for doctors and nurses.

“This is a temporary fix - because where will the money be sourced until the new financial year?” he asked.

The provincial organiser for the National Public Service Workers Union, Thapelo Thole, said community health workers (CHWs) had been left in the lurch due to internal political games.

“CHWs were expecting the MEC to present them with contracts on November 1. Factional battles are affecting service delivery and delaying employment processes. We do not have faith in the acting MEC.”

Lekwene’s resignation comes after the department was instructed by the Health Ombudsman and the South African Human Rights Commission in July to initiate disciplinary processes and conduct a forensic investigation into the neglect, deaths, and maltreatment of psychiatric patients at two Kimberley hospitals.

The incidents, which occurred in July and August 2024, involved patients Cyprian Mohoto, Petrus De Bruin, and John Louw, who were all admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) after complications at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH). Another patient, Tshepo Mdimbaza, died at NCMHH.

One patient reportedly froze to death, another remains bedridden and dependent on nursing staff following brain surgery, and a third died after contracting double pneumonia, possibly due to exposure to severe cold.

Political redeployment

ANC provincial secretary Deshi Ngxanga confirmed that Lekwene had resigned as a Member of the Provincial Legislature and MEC.

“This follows the decision of the ANC to redeploy him as the ANC head of elections in the Northern Cape. This deployment forms part of the ANC’s broader strategy to strengthen the organisation ahead of the 2026 local government elections,” said Ngxanga.

He added that Lekwene would play a vital role in advancing the organisation’s programmes and ensuring a strong, united, and well-prepared movement for the upcoming elections.

“The ANC wishes to express its deep appreciation to Lekwene for his unwavering commitment, discipline, and contribution to the government and the people of the Northern Cape. Throughout his tenure in the provincial executive and in the legislature, he has served with dedication and integrity. The ANC also extends its appreciation to the premier and the entire provincial executive council for their continued teamwork and focus on improving service delivery.

“The organisation values the collective leadership shown in promoting stability and progress across the province. The ANC remains committed to its mission of building unity, deepening democracy, and accelerating service delivery. Redeployments within the movement are part of a continuous effort to strengthen governance and organisational effectiveness,” Ngxanga said.

Premier Zamani Saul accepted the resignation and appointed Mase Manopole as the acting MEC for Health in the interim, until a permanent appointment is made.

“We thank Maruping for being of service and wish him well in his future endeavours,” he said.

The Northern Cape Department of Health did not respond to media enquiries.