BARBERTON – The ANC is calling upon people who have proof regarding allegations of its officials, including the speaker of Umjindi Local Municipality, Cllr Vusi Mkhatshwa, of interfering in the recruitment of staff at the Barberton General Hospital to come forward.
This comes after the party rejected allegations against its officials following complaints about corruption and nepotism that allegedly happened in the hospital after they had advertised vacancies.
It’s alleged that Mkhashwa also interfered in the shortlisting of people who attended interviews, which included his wife and she weas eventually employed.
Internal sources revealed that his apparent intervention didn’t only benefit his wife, but also other members of the ruling party, especially the youth who were working tirelessly on the election campaigns.
It’s reported that 15 vacant posts for cleaners and five for groundsmen were advertised, but on the appointments that were made on September 26, the posts had increased to 38, which were 30 cleaners and eight groundsmen.
It’s alleged that some workers drafted a letter and submitted it to the provincial HOD of health to intervene failing which the matter would be taken to the minister of health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
They also threatened to go on strike.
Local leaders of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) requested a meeting to lay a formal complaint regarding the allegations with management.
Mr Snoep Gwebu said, “As the EFF, we were expecting to get a response by Tuesday, but so far we haven’t heard anything from the hospital management. We want nepotism and corruption to be uprooted at the hospital,” explained Gwebu.
Spokesperson for the department of health, Mr Ronnie Masilela confirmed receipt of a letter from the workers. However, Masilela said an investigation was continuing and those found guilty would be dealt with through the right channels.
He informed this paper that everything was going through the hospital and had not embarked on their intended strike action.
