Cosatu Eastern Cape Press Release 29-04-08

 

RE : COSATU EASTERN CAPE PRESS RELEASE

Once again we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their children in a catastrophe that has taken place at Sterkspruit hospitals.

It is our firm view that the catastrophe could have been prevented from escalating if the leadership of the Department of Health in the Province was serious about its mandate.

The fact that Empilisweni Hospital did not have sufficient supply of medicine to treat diarrhoea is an indication of a complete negligence on the part of the Department of health, and that the leadership must be held accountable for this, in particular the MEC for Health.

This is the same department that has underspent its allocated budget during the 2007 / 2008 financial year. The recent shop stewards council of COSATU expressed concern with regards to poor service delivery in both Health and Education.

Critical to this is the question of school nutrition, and allegations of corruption with regards to tender processes, and the shop stewards council resolved that the forensic investigation report must be made public, and those involved in corrupt practices must be brought to book.

The council further called upon the Premier of the Province to release to the public the findings of the Pillay Commission, that was tasked to investigate matters related to corruption in the Province.

For further clarity call Xola Pakati, COSATU E Cape Provincial Secretary, on 0827526504.