The institutional labour caucus (ILC) at the Tembisa hospital has rejected the precautionary suspension of CEO Dr Ashley Mthunzi.
The Gauteng provincial government placed Mthunzi on precautionary suspension amid allegations of a possible link to the murder of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran in August 2021.
Mthunzi was suspended alongside Gauteng Health CFO Lerato Madyo. The provincial government said the suspension was to ensure that their presence in the office in the office does not impede the investigation.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations and the possible link to the murder case of Babita Deokaran- former chief director of finance, exemplary public servant and courageous whistle-blower who was brutally killed a year ago- the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been appointed to investigate these allegations with urgency,” it said in a statement.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura welcomed the suspension.
However, the labour caucus at the hospital said: “The suspension of Dr Ashley Mthunzi was implemented on the back of our demand to meet the premier regarding attacks on the person of the CEO and the hospital.
“We also wished to discuss the deliberate silence of the head of department (HOD) Dr Nomonde Nolutshungo and the health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi on media reports assassinating the character of the CEO,” the caucus said on Monday.
The caucus comprises of the Public Servants Association and National Health and Allied Workers Union shop stewards.
Caucus spokesperson Kansas Stevans says the CEO was on track implementing the Health Ombudsman recommendations and improving service.
“The ILC rejects this suspension with the contempt it deserves. We are of a strong view that the premier undermines organised labour and also the rule of law. After attempts of requesting his audience to engage on this matter to find an amicable solution, the premier blatantly ignored the ILC and continued with his irregular deed.
“On the rule of law, legislatively, a CEO of a hospital is appointed and reports to the office of the HOD, not of the premier. In this case David Makhura took an interest in the matter and undermined the office of the HOD and took the matter to his office,” said Stevans.
Source: Times Live, Jacaranda FM, image from Times Live: Alaister Russell