‘Provincial government plans to transfer patients from the old hospital to the incomplete facility during the event, only to return them afterward’ – ActionSA
MIDDELBURG – The Mpumalanga provincial government has firmly denied allegations suggesting it is being exploited by a specific political party for campaign purposes.
George Mthethwa, the spokesperson for the provincial government, dismissed these claims, asserting that the government is simply carrying out its duties. “It’s a pity that most of the time when government has to do its work, it will always be seen as electioneering,” he remarked.
These allegations come in response to accusations made by ActionSA in Mpumalanga, alleging that Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane’s administration intends to open the R1.4 billion unfinished Middeburg hospital “as an electioneering campaign for the ANC”.
The construction of the hospital commenced in 2017 with the aim of replacing the outdated Middelburg Provincial Hospital, which could no longer adequately serve the needs of the community’s residents.
The political party claimed that the provincial government plans to transfer patients from the old hospital to the incomplete facility during the event, only to return them afterward “When the event finished, patients will be brought back to the old hospital,” remarked ActionSA leader Thokozile Mashiane in a statement.
Mashiane further emphasized that this tactic aligns with the government’s recent pattern of hosting launches and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, which they argue is part of a calculated election strategy, as revealed in a leaked audio recording from April’s ANC national executive committee elections meeting.
Mthethwa countered these allegations by stating that the Middelburg hospital is just one of numerous completed projects across the province slated for handover. “Opening of projects including the Middelburg hospital is based on commitments the Premier has made during this year’s State of the Province Address,” he clarified.
He reiterated that the Premier has a duty to be transparent and accountable to the province’s citizens based on these commitments. “What is it that they are going to account on if they don’t hand over these projects?” he questioned.
