By: Natasha Archary
The National Department of Health says it doesn’t have full context with regards to the viral video of Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba.
MEC Ramathuba sparked xenophobic backlash after a video of her berating a Zimbabwean patient was shared to social media.
In the clip, Ramathuba tells the female patient that she should go back home and have Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa foot her surgery bills.
“You must go back to Emmerson Mnangagwa, you know he doesn’t give me money to operate you guys. Now I must be expected to operate you with my limited budget? It’s easy for you guys, when you’re sick you just decide to cross into Limpopo. You think I’m running a charity here?
And when the people of Limpopo want to access their healthcare systems, they can’t because you’re eating their budget. That is why they are angry with you guys. Do you even have papers? No. You are illegal here, you are not even counted. It’s unfair. I can’t go to Zimbabwe and get free treatment.”
Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo Health MEC tells a Zimbabwean patient
In response, the health department says it’s not in a position to make a conclusion on the incident as the full context of the clip is unknown.
With Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla out of the country, acting Minister, Angie Motshekga has instructed the department to gather all information available to help her compile a full report.
Motshekga will then hand Phaahla the report on his return so he may weigh in on the matter.
Many have criticised the MEC’s actions as a contradiction to the Hippocratic Oath, and the EFF Limpopo condemned Ramathuba’s remarks for its blatant xenophobic undertones.
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