30 July 2007
Mr Mike Waters seems to have a logic of his own. In the morning of 30 July,
he issued a statement demanding the release of the Frere Hospital report. He
claimed in his statement that "an anonymous informer reported to us (DA) on
some of the contents of this document. The gross neglect and incompetence
indicated by this information makes it clear why the government is so reluctant
to make this report public."
A few hours later, he contradicts himself and labels the very Report he was
demanding a "whitewash."
Mr Waters may have to admit to the people of South Africa that he was lying
about what he claimed were the contents of the report in his statement earlier
today. Alternatively, he must declare that his afternoon statement rejects the
Report because its content does not support his political agenda with regard to
Frere Hospital.
This is just the latest of Mr Waters' continuing tales relating to Frere
Hospital.
Last week he said he was going to use "constitutional means" to ensure that
the Department of Health exclusively provides him with a copy of the Report.
This was despite the fact that the Report had already been submitted to the
Health Portfolio Committee, of which he is member.
Now he is making additional unfounded claims that there were deaths relating
to some alleged power failure. Mr Waters conveniently does not provide any
specific date on which this incident allegedly happened.
We urge Mr Waters to stop using Frere Hospital as a platform to launch
himself as a new health spokesperson of the DA. He should argue this matter
based on truth not on fabrication of facts.
Enquiries:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Issued by: Department of Health
30 July 2007
