Monthly Archives: August 2024

‘Alarming rise of medico-legal claims against healthcare system a concern’

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

26 August 2024 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has expressed his unequivocal support for the ongoing investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the alarming rise of medico-legal claims against the healthcare system. Dhlomo said this investigation is not merely a procedural exercise, but a critical step towards restoring integrity, accountability and trust within the health sector.

He further said the backdrop of this investigation is deeply concerning. Dhlomo added that since 2015, they have witnessed an unprecedented surge in medico-legal claims, with figures reaching staggering amounts that threaten the sustainability of the healthcare system.

“The findings presented by the SIU reveal a disturbing pattern of fraudulent claims, unethical practices and collusion among legal practitioners, healthcare professionals and even some officials within our system.

“Such actions not only undermine the credibility of our healthcare services, but also divert essential resources away from patient care. The SIU’s investigation has uncovered numerous instances of malpractice, including claims that are not only inflated but, in some cases, entirely fabricated,” he said.

For instance, said Dr Dhlomo, the revelation of claims for millions of rands based on supposed medical negligence that never occurred. He said it is unacceptable that individuals and families who genuinely require support and compensation for legitimate grievances are being exploited by unscrupulous actors seeking personal gain.

“The implications of these findings are profound. Firstly, they highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within our medico-legal framework. We must address the root causes of this crisis, including the need for improved patient safety protocols, better record-keeping practices, and enhanced communication between healthcare providers and patients.

“The recommendations from the 2015 Medico-Legal Claims Summit remain relevant, and we must revisit and implement these solutions with urgency. The Department of Health must continue with the good practices of fire drills and more retraining of healthcare professionals to reduce negligence,” said Dhlomo.

However, he said the fundamental threat to this is ensuring that all records and files are captured electronically. Dhlomo said it is in this space that they can mitigate the risks associated with the physical handling of files, which are often vulnerable to theft, whether by healthcare professionals or lawyers from their hospitals.

“If those records are kept electronically, we will see a significant reduction in fraudulent claims, especially when coupled with fire drills. He stressed that fire drills are a mock exercise as if the situation is happening for real, preparing healthcare professionals to be ready when the situation happens for real.

“This preparation is essential in fostering a culture of safety and accountability within our healthcare system. Secondly, the legal ramifications of the SIU’s dings cannot be overstated,” he said.

Dhlomo said the referral of implicated attorneys and healthcare professionals to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal charges signifies a robust response to corruption and fraud within the system. He said it sends a clear message that unethical behaviour will not be tolerated and that those who exploit the healthcare system for personal gain will face the full force of the law.

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Portfolio Committee concerned after CETA spent R300m on law firms 

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26 August 2024

By REGINALD KANYANE 

Members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training were left fuming after the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), made an assertion that their appearance before the committee to account was based on rumours.

CETA, the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) and labour union National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) appeared before the committee for a briefing on issues such as audit action plans to rectify the audit findings of the 2022/23 financial year, employee wellness and on allegations of corruption and governance irregularities. 

The Chairperson of the Committee, Tebogo Letsie expressed concerns that CETA has spent around R300 million on law firms to deal with various matters. Letsie said that CETA told them that, its planned overseas benchmarking study received negative media coverage, which scandalised the CEO and that the trip was not cancelled but postponed. 

“I found the comments from the CETA executive distasteful and disrespectful, given that the committee holds accountable those who use public funds. We are going to write officially to the Minister of Higher Education and Training and the Director-General that the CETA benchmarking trip must be cancelled as the term of the board is coming to an end.

“The countries targeted by the construction CETA for the benchmarking were not known for best practices in the construction sector. So, we are concerned that the Services SETA has received a qualified audit opinion for four consecutive financial years since the 2018/19 financial year,” he said. 

Letsie further expressed concerns that governance challenges at CETA have resulted in the entity being under administration in 2011 and 2020, with the subsequent dissolution of the relevant boards. He added that the committee recommended that the Director-General responsible for SETAS from the Department of Higher Education and Training, needs to be able to deal with problems under his/her portfolio and, if unable to do so, they must face consequences.

“The committee recommended that CETA must not issue adverts calling for nominations for new board members until the current board provides the committee with reports on current governance challenges. 

“The committee further requested a list of all senior executives and their professional history dating back ten years,” said Letsie.

Meanwhile, the NEHAWU union representative from CETA told the committee that there is widespread bullying and victimisation at the entity. She also fears victimisation for speaking out against the CEO.

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INKAL Oral History competition winners congratulated

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Picture: Some of the National Inkosi Albert Luthuli (INKAL) Oral History competition winners/Supplied

26 August 2024

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is proud to announce that their learners have excelled in the National Inkosi Albert Luthuli (INKAL) Oral History competition held at ANEW Hotel in Benoni, Gauteng from 23 until 24 August 2024.

Motsumi said the iNkosi Albert Luthuli competition, is a project held annually with the aim of encouraging learners, as well as teachers to increase their interest in personal and community history.

“The North West successfully held their iNKAL competition. The department was able to produce learners, who represented the province at the national competitions. The National INKAL Oral History winners from the North West Department of Education are Refilwe Ramodia from Christiana Special School for the Blind in Christiana.

“Ramodia has obtained the first position in the Special School – African Poetry category. Oreabetse Mokowe from Lichtenburg English Secondary School in Lichtenburg, obtained the first position in the Young Historian – Grade 8 category, while Oarabile Molefe from Lichtenburg English Secondary in Lichtenburg, obtained the first position in the Young Historian – Grade 10 category,” she said.

Motsumi further said Asikhona Mphokane from Molebatsi Secondary school, obtained the second position in the Young Historian – Grade 11 category, while Bonolo Williams from Nkang Mahlale in Jouberton Township, Klerksdorp, obtained the second position in the Story Writing category.

“Phemelo Londt from Phiri Secondary School in Ventersdorp, obtained the third position in the Young Historian – Grade 9. On behalf of the department, l take this moment to congratulate all the top performers from our province,” she said.

Motsumi added that she really wish to thank the teachers for their sterling work in the schools. She said this achievement is due to their efforts they put in schools.

“To those who didn’t get the top positions at national, they should know that as a department, we are proud of them. They should regroup and try again next year. All the winners received vouchers as prizes,” said Motsumi.

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Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong congratulates South African recipients of SADC Media Awards

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Picture: The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong

23 August 2024

By REGINALD KANYANE

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong said he has noted with excitement news of SADC Media Awards received by the GCIS and Channel Africa journalists.

Morolong congratulated both Fikile Marakalla and Tshimologo Moshatama, who have scooped second prize in photo and radio categories respectively. Marakalla was the second prize winner in the Photo Category with her pictures that were published in SA News and Diplomatic informer.

Marakalla’s winning entry highlighted the strong fraternal, historical as well as social relations between South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania during the State visit of her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. Moshatama from Channel Africa Radio was the second prize winner in the Radio Category with his entry on the importance of shared water resources in the SADC regional integration and development and the contribution of the Kingdom of Lesotho in the management of shared water resources.

The SADC Media Awards are aimed at promoting excellence in the fields of Print Journalism, Radio Journalism, Television Journalism and Photojournalism.

“We are excited at the recognition that our staff and colleagues received from their peers in the SADC media fraternity. These awards serve to animate the hard work input by all our staff in ensuring enhanced access to information by the public.

“This, in a manner that enables the public objectively to participate in the task of social transformation. We encourage all our staff to continue working hard, sharing information with the public. We assure that both staff and management of his and Minister Ntshavheni’s questioning yet unflinching support,” he said.

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Police conduct awareness campaign at Kealeboga Primary School

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Picture: The police during awareness campaign in Ganspan

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Warrenton SAPS Social Crime Prevention conducted an awareness campaign at the Kealeboga Primary School in Ganspan to address concerns that affect the youth such as bullying , peer pressure, sexual exploitation, and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

The secretary of the Community Police Forum (CPF), opened the program with prayer and Captain Mogomotsi Lekwene welcomed and introduced the guests to the teachers and learners. A representative from the Department of Social Development explained the purpose of the day.

Keynote speakers included the Francis Baard District Junior Commissioner Support Head, Warrenton Junior Station MIC, and Warrenton Junior Detective Commander.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the CPF, Women’s Network, Frances Baard District Social Crime Prevention, and Department of Social Development, handed over sanitary towels and stationary packs to the learners, while the Provincial SAPS Band entertained the guests and learners.

“The school principal thanked all government departments, who contributed to assisting the children and reiterated that the gifts will make a significant difference towards the well-being of the children,” he said.

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Doctor sentenced for tax evasion

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By REGINALD KANYANE

A doctor was sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, but wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.

Dr Fabian Royston Tun was facing eight counts of failure to submit Personal Income Tax Returns (PIT) and 42 counts of failure to submit value-added tax returns (VAT201). The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the prosecution case is that, Tun was operating as a medical practitioner and trading as a Sole Trader in Dr FR Tun’s Practice, registered with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for both Personal Income Tax and Value Added Tax purposes.

Senokoatsane further said the state alleged that during 2015 to 2022, the accused received income amounting to over R17 million. He added that the accused, whilst practising as Dr Tun, failed to submit the personal income tax returns for the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 tax years as required by the prescribed tax laws.

“Even though the accused did not submit his tax returns during the said tax periods, the accused received taxable income and such taxable income was not declared to the Commissioner of SARS. The accused also failed to submit Value Added Tax returns to the South African Revenue Service for the tax periods from August 2016 to June 2023.

“The accused was arrested after comprehensive investigations led by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (DPCI), as well as the Tax Unit, from the NPA, led by advocate Martin Molokwane, as well as advocate Tebogo Moheta, who guided the investigations and prosecuted this matter in court,” said Senokoatsane.

He said in realising the amount of evidence against his case, Tun, who was legally represented, pleaded guilty to all charges preferred against him and he was then convicted as such. Senokoatsane said the doctor was sentenced to two years imprisonment for counts 1 until 8 (Failure to submit Personal Income Tax returns), which was wholly suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of suspension.

“Tun was fined R10 000 or sentenced to four months imprisonment per count on 9-50 (Failure to submit Value Added Tax returns) of which R 5000 or 2 months imprisonment per count is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the same offences during a period of suspension.

“The accused has submitted all his outstanding Personal Income Tax Returns and Value Added Tax returns. The impact is that Tun now has a criminal record and SARS will be able to determine his tax liabilities,” he said.

Senokoatsane said NPA welcomed this imperative conviction, which evidently will send a clear message to the citizens that they should refrain from not submitting their personal and business Tax Returns, as they will be arrested, convicted, and sentenced accordingly.

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A man sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for armed robbery

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Pic: Two suspects arrested by police in Northern Cape for Business Robbery in Hartswater/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

A man (36) was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment by the Kimberley Regional Court for armed robbery. On 12 August 2022, the accused, Sekhonola Seatile and his accomplice, entered a shop in Long Street, Kimberley, where they threatened the shop keeper at gunpoint and robbed him of cash, cigarettes and cellphones.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Merapelo Pilane said they then locked the complainant inside his shop and fled the scene. Pilane said the Detective Sergeant Eunice Ngono and Constable Mpumelelo Maruping from the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, were tasked to investigate the incident and through their meticulous investigation, they traced and arrested the suspect in the Free State province.

“Bail was successfully opposed and denied. The accused was found guilty as charged and sentenced to an effective 14 years direct imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The Management of SAPS welcomes the sentence secured and commended the detectives for their relentless efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice,” she said.

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EFF in North West remains committed to its mandate

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By REGINALD KANYANE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West said it has embarked on a membership renewal and recruitment drive in its branches and regions across the province. The party said it finds pleasure in seeing majority of its members renewing their membership and residents of the province following suit in joining the EFF.

The EFF provincial spokesperson, Fanon Moema said they wish to make it known that the EFF remains a relevant “radical, leftist, anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist movement with an internationalist outlook”, and is alive to the plight in its subscription to the Marxist-Leninist and Fanonian schools of thought.

“We are pleased at the role the EFF continues to play as a vanguard of the communities and worker’s struggles. We call on all the branches and regions to remain firmly on the ground, mobilize and organize for the EFF.

“As such, renewal and recruitment of membership continues across the province, and we shall never pay lip service to such a noble task. We further encourage branches and regions to follow the guidelines and exercise maximum discipline in preparation of the National People’s Assembly,” he said.

Moema further said they remain very confident in the leadership of the EFF under the sterling stewardship of the Commander-in-Chief and President Julius Sello Malema.

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Portfolio Committee concerned about lack of diligence over scholar transport issue  

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Picture: Learners cooped in a bakkie/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has concluded a robust, engaging and fruitful three-day induction workshop with the education sector. The chairperson of the committee, Joy Maimela said the purpose of the workshop was to provide members with a comprehensive overview of the sector, including the structure of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), their vision and strategic goals.

Maimela further said the workshop also included a detailed explanation of the functions of the DBE and the distinct and concurrent roles of provincial education departments and education district offices.

“The committee therefore requested input from all provincial education departments. This was for Members to understand the space that they will have to do oversight in. Stakeholders participating in the programme included the South African Human Rights Commission, qualifications verifications body Umalusi, and the departments of Transport (DOT), Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).

“The theme of challenges with scholar transport, lack of infrastructure maintenance and inadequate sanitation, such as pit latrines, kept arising over the three days. Although it was intended to be an introduction to the sector, the committee also had probing questions on areas of concern and wanted comprehensive plans on turning it around,” she said.

Maimela added that the DOT agreed that the process of procurement for scholar transport is problematic. She said the committee heard that someone would, for example, tender with a Mercedes Benz vehicle, but later transport learners with a sub-standard transport.

“It is clear the committee is especially passionate about these matters. How do we explain to a mother that your child was picked up for school and never made it home? Mothers are frustrated because they are burying their children.

“The DOT presentation did not put the committee’s mind at ease. We are responsible for 12.7 million learners, and we cannot play with that. We requested the department to return with a comprehensive plan on how to address the scourge of deaths of our learners on the road,” she said.

Maimela said they have been losing far too many learners due to vehicle accidents. She said the committee also had a stern message for the DWS.

“The committee heard there were about 200 pit latrines still in schools, but funding should still be allocated for this. How do we explain to a mother, your child will not come home because she fell in a pit latrine?

“We want this eradicated and it is non-negotiable. This must be a priority. The DPWI must act against implementing agents, who are not fulfilling their contracts nor completing projects on time. You are responsible for infrastructure maintenance at our schools,” said Maimela.

She said the department needs to ensure that the norms and standards are in place and adhered to. Maimela said the workshop was an overall success, as the committee wanted to understand the basic education sector better and to be empowered.

“So, when we start holding the executive to account and do our oversight work, we do it from an informed position. South Africans want universal quality education, but clearly it cannot just be the responsibility of one department,” concluded Maimela.

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Morweng launched 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Join Law Enforcement Operation

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Picture: North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng during the official launch of the 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Joint Law Enforcement Operation (TKCJLEO) in Rustenburg/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng has officially launched the 14th Trans Kalahari Corridor Joint Law Enforcement Operation (TKCJLEO) in Rustenburg. Morweng said a week long operation, has brought together delegates from Botswana and Namibia to join their counterparts in South Africa with the intent of improving transportation barriers and safety along the N4 corridor.

He further highlighted the great work of the tripartite countries, since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2003, to ease trade and identify development opportunities.

“It was against this spirit of collective purpose that South Africa, Botswana and Namibia signed this pact in 2003. More than 21 years, we are proudly and justifiably grateful for the enduring relationship we forged.

“The enduring relationship between these three Member States,

saw the signing of the 11 Point Plan by Ministers of Labour, Police and Home Affairs in June 2022. This plan seeks to ensure the smooth passage of freight deliveries,” said Morweng.

He added that this was accentuated by the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee, which is multi-stakeholder and inclusive partnership to resolve clogging at the borders. Morweng said on behalf of the North West Province, they reaffirm commitment to the treaty of the TKC Member States in the creation of a conducive corridor.

“Our economic growth will be greatly enhanced, if we can align our strategies with the TKC objectives. The aim is to contribute and promote trade facilitation within the TKC Members States by improving transport efficiency.

“We need to ensure that there are harmonised policies and procedures within the region, simplify cross-border transactions and customs operation, reduce costs of doing business in the freight and logistics environment, as well as to standardise Road Transport Management System (RIMS) and share information across the three countries,” he said.

Morweng has also extended gratitude to all stakeholders, who are part of the South African leg of the TKCJLEO and the presence of members delegated from Swaziland.

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