Picture: The North West Premier, Bushy Maape
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the North lambasted the North West Premier, Bushy Maape for seeking media treatment in Thailand. The DA caucus leader in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPG), Freddy Sonakile said even though they sympathize with Maape, however, his trip to Thailand shows a vote of no confidence in the local public health system.
Sonakile further said it is concerning that Maape would seek medical treatment abroad, instead of accessing medical facilities in the province. He added that they have long indicated that public hospitals in the province are in a bad state, suffering chronic medicine, equipment, and staff shortages.
“The fact that Maape would rather seek treatment abroad, indicates his vote of no confidence in the provincial public health system he presides over. While tens of millions of South Africans are unable to access quality public healthcare, it has now become an established trend for ANC politicians in office to seek medical treatment abroad.
“Millions of South Africans struggle to access quality medical treatment in ANC-managed public hospitals and do not have the means, like Maape, to jump on a taxpayer-funded medical tourism jaunt to exotic locations,” he said.
Sonakile said this is but a preview of the disaster that will unfold should the ANC continue to push for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which will only increase inequality in accessing medical treatment for everyone.
He said the ANC in government says that it delivers quality public healthcare to all, but the reality is, it does not. Maape knows it, which is why he will be in Thailand, while many patients in public facilities struggle to receive the treatment they deserve.
Meanwhile, the North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Nono Maloyi has been appointed as interim North West Premier. North West Premier, Bushy Maape spokesperson, Sello Tatai said Maape will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024.
He said Maape is seeking medical treatment in Thailand, following advice and referral by his doctor.
“During Maape’s absence, Maloyi will act as Premier. He has since been sworn in by the North West High Court Judge President, Ronald Hendricks. The Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Maape’s travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature,” said Tatai.
The Guardian 