Mabuyane said these engagements breached established diplomatic protocol, undermining South Africa’s constitutional system in which international cooperation must be managed through national channels such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Treasury.

He called the actions an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

The premier has instructed the provincial Health MEC to investigate how the donations were accepted and said the government will work with national authorities to prevent future unauthorized foreign engagements.

Critics argue foreign diplomats must follow proper diplomatic channels, and that traditional leaders like King Dalindyebo have no mandate to engage independently with international missions on behalf of the province.

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The controversy stems from accusations circulated online by a figure linked to the so-called “MKP Labour Desk.” The department said these claims form part of a wider attempt to tarnish the reputation of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and the hospital.

According to the department, the Nursing Manager post had been advertised twice without finding a suitable candidate who met equity requirements. To maintain continuity, Dr. Ndemera — a Critical Care Specialist Nurse with a PhD in Nephrology — was asked to act in the role.

Dr. Ndemera has worked at IALCH since before 2015, has lived legally in South Africa for more than 25 years, speaks fluent Zulu and Venda, and currently serves as Assistant Nursing Manager for Critical Care. The department stressed that MEC Simelane had no involvement in the process and had never met Dr. Ndemera before the defamatory claims emerged.

The department also denied suggestions that public funds were misused for a Christmas party, clarifying that the event was covered by declared external sponsorship and that the MEC did not attend.

“These fabrications are a clear attempt to politicise the health sector and discredit the MEC and the Department,” the statement said, urging the public to be cautious about unverified information spread by self-styled “news agencies.”

Despite financial challenges, the department said IALCH continues to function as a centre of excellence under its acting CEO, delivering quality care to patients in KwaZulu-Natal. It added that it would pursue legal avenues to protect both its integrity and that of its officials.

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Unveiled on Thursday, the advanced 128-slice scanner replaces an outdated 16-slice machine that had been causing delays and frustrations for over two years before finally breaking down late last year. The new equipment is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve the hospital’s ability to detect illnesses early, especially conditions like cancer.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, who officially launched the new machine, acknowledged the long-standing complaints from patients who had been turned away or made to wait due to the previous scanner’s faults. “This is a game changer,” she said. “With over 1,500 patients coming through daily, this machine allows for faster results and better access for more people.”

According to Simelane, early diagnosis is crucial, particularly for cancer cases that can progress rapidly. The new scanner enables faster detection and timely treatment, which could lead to better survival outcomes for many.

The technology behind the new machine allows it to complete full body scans in mere seconds, capturing detailed images while minimizing patient wait times. “This means we can process more cases efficiently, especially for orthopaedic and cancer-related diagnostics,” said Devon Harripersad, a representative from the company that supplied the scanner.

The system also supports contrast studies, where a special dye highlights specific organs or tissues, making it easier for doctors to identify issues accurately.

Looking ahead, the Health Department plans to roll out similar equipment to other healthcare facilities across the province. For now, the patients and staff at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital are hopeful that this investment marks a turning point in service delivery and patient care.

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The prioritized positions include pharmacists, medical officers, nursing managers, and specialist doctors.

This move is aimed at addressing gabs in nursing management in these hospitals, particularly Livingstone in Gqeberha, which is set to employ six nursing managers, pharmacists, and specialists.

This recruitment programme follows a recent employment of 247 community service nurses and 55 medical officers who were allocated mainly in rural district hospitals in oder to address shortages.

A population of 1.6 million patients visit various health facilities every month in the province, and the department endevours to provide efficient service to all these patients.

This current financial year, a total of R2 billion has been budgeted to buy medices for both clinics and hospitals. Another R2 billion is being spent on hospital and clinic infrastructure improvements with some facilities being demolished and rebuilt

Issued by the office of the Eastern Cape MEC
For more information, contact Sizwe Kupelo 083 378 0196

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