Lim Health Dept refutes Saepu’s claims on failed ambulance fleet
The response follows last week's lead story in Polokwane Observer, in which Saepu accused Dr Phophi Ramathuba of mismanagement and raised concerns about ongoing issues under the current leadership.
POLOKWANE – The Department of Health has responded to allegations made by the South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (Saepu) against the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba regarding the management of emergency medical services during her tenure as the province’s Health MEC.
The response follows last week’s lead story in Polokwane Observer, in which Saepu accused Ramathuba of mismanagement and raised concerns about ongoing issues under the current leadership.
Read more: EMS union slams Lim Health Department over failing ambulance fleet
Saepu, led by union president Mpho Mpogeng, marched to the department’s provincial office on March 19 to voice their grievances.
They alleged that the 500 ambulances acquired under Ramathuba’s leadership were not adequately equipped with essential medical tools.
The union also claimed that the strategy used to procure the fleet was copied from Gauteng without considering the specific needs of Limpopo’s largely rural population.
However, departmental spokesperson Neil Shikwambana dismissed these claims, asserting that Ramathuba had actually strengthened emergency services in the province.
“When Ramathuba came in, there was no fleet to talk about,” Shikwambana said.
“She worked hard with limited resources to build a fleet of over 500 ambulances, significantly improving emergency response services. While the unit is not yet in a perfect state and the department continues to enhance it, the former MEC should be credited for her efforts in developing the emergency service.”
Another major concern raised by Saepu was the poor maintenance of the ambulance fleet.
Mpogeng claimed that damaged ambulances were not being repaired, reducing the number of operable emergency vehicles across Limpopo.
In response, Shikwambana revealed that in Polokwane, 15 out of 20 ambulances were fully operational, with one undergoing mechanical repairs and four out of service due to accidents.
Mpogeng insisted that the current situation hinders timely emergency responses and called for urgent improvements.
Meanwhile, Ramathuba’s spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, referred all enquiries on the matter to Shikwambana.
Muavha also dismissed accusations that Ramathuba was undermining the authority of current Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego by accompanying her during official duties, stating that Ramathuba had full confidence in Mashego’s leadership.
