According to Thembinkosi Pulu (district secretary: SACP Vaal district) Khumalo is driving the hospital into the ground through ‘acts of misconduct, maladministration and abuse of power’.

He said that since Khumalo’s appointment, the hospital has been turned into a ‘family business’ with numerous bias appointments of family members and close relatives (including her twin sister).

“The fight against unemployment, poverty and inadequate skills cannot be substituted by corruption, nepotism and arrogance. We received numerous complaints from employees over the past six months, some of which who claim to have been suspended and other involuntary transferred to other hospitals by Khumalo,” Pulu said.

A grievance letter was reportedly sent to the MEC of health to investigate among others, claims of unprofessional relations between senior management and staff, misuse of hospital resources for personal gain and micro-managing of staff members.

In addition, a signed petition by staff members against Khumalo’s appointment was recently sent to the MEC of health and according to Pulu, a meeting was scheduled to take place on June 26. During the meeting the MEC’s office was represented by delegates who wanted to present a verbal report, however SACP requested a written report and the meeting was postponed until July 1.

“The party said it is calling for a proper investigation by the hospital board and the department of health and it hopes for a swift reaction to ensure that Heidelberg Hospital is better positioned to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, as several confirmed cases have been reported in the last week,” Pulu said.

In reaction to HERAUT’s enquiry, Jabulane Khumalo (spokesperson of the CEO) said the CEO is legally represented in this regard and that a legal reply was provided to the SACP, to which they have 10 days to respond to.

“Because the matter is now sub judice, no further comments will be provided,” he said.