Minister of Health
14 August 2007
During the media briefing by Ms Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, the former Deputy
Minister of Health, an impression was created that Minister Jeff Radebe had
called her to express his support after she was relieved of her duties and that
the Deputy Ministers of Defence and of Arts and Culture had invited her to
visit the Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape.
Minister J Radebe and the two deputy ministers would like to place on record
that the former deputy minister's statements are not accurate. At no stage did
the Minister call to express his support after she was released from her
duties, and at no stage did the Deputy Ministers invite the former Deputy
Minister to go to Frere Hospital following the news reports about the death of
babies at the hospital.
The visit to the hospital was the former Deputy Minister's own initiative
and had nothing to do with discussions she may or may not have had with a
number of leaders in government and there was never an express or implied
invitation for her to conduct an unannounced visit to this or to any other
hospital.
This statement is issued on behalf of Minister Radebe, Deputy Minister
Mluleki George and Deputy Minister M Botha.
Enquiries:
Themba Maseko
Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
14 August 2007
