Former Health Ombudsman Professor Malegapuru Makgoba delivered a damning assessment of the South African health system, labeling it “dysfunctional” and a complete mess. Makgoba, who recently concluded his seven-year term, expressed particular shock over the Life Esidemeni tragedy, which claimed the lives of 144 patients.
Addressing the system’s failures, Makgoba concluded that the government’s incompetence renders it unlikely to fix the healthcare crisis, urging the electorate to take action.
Throughout his tenure as Health Ombudsman, Makgoba’s office handled over 10,000 complaints, shedding light on the profound challenges facing the healthcare sector. However, it was the tragic incident at Life Esidemeni that left Makgoba particularly shaken. The insensitivity displayed by former MEC Qaedani Mahlangu and her senior officials, who downplayed the deaths as normal, shocked Makgoba to the core. Such callousness, he believed, underscored the urgent need for reform.
Expressing his deep concern, Makgoba emphasized that the health system’s dysfunctionality is evident and cannot be overlooked. When questioned about the possibility of government intervention to rectify the situation, he expressed skepticism. Makgoba did not advocate for regime change but pointed out the government’s consistent incompetence, suggesting that as voters, citizens must take responsibility and act.
The state of South Africa’s health system is in dire need of attention and transformation. Makgoba’s critical assessment serves as a wake-up call, urging the public to demand accountability and seek solutions to address the deeply rooted issues plaguing the nation’s healthcare.