Lungani Zungu
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has come under heavy scrutiny for the sanctions he meted out against Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane for breaking the Covid-19 regulations.
Zikalala announced on Saturday evening that 50% of Simelane’s salary would be docked and paid to NGOs in Amajuba District Municipality – where Simelane is service delivery champion.
“We have decided that Simelane must, within seven days, issue a public apology for having been at an event where there was flouting of Covid-19 regulations,” said Zikalala during his briefing.
Many are saying that the sanctions are little more than a slap on the wrist.
Ncamisile Nkwanyana, IFP’s spokesperson on health, said she is shocked by the weak sanctions.
“Zikalala should have fired the MEC. We will continue to fight to have the MEC fired from the position.
“The visuals of them blatantly flouting Covid-19 regulations, which are currently being widely circulated on social media, are a testimony to their complete disregard for the law, as well as the safety of their fellow South Africans.”
The DA and the EFF have been calling for the axing of Simelane.
The calls for Simelane’s sacking started last week and quickly gained momentum after she was seen dancing with people without masks and social distancing during her surprise birthday bash.
But Zikalala, who has high political ambitions, both in government and the ANC, took the lenient approach against Simelane.
Zikalala and Simelane are close allies, and she was a key figure in Zikalala’s rise to be premier of KZN and ANC chairperson in the province.
Simelane regrets the flouting of Covid-19 regulations at her party, said Zikalala.
“What is clear in both the video and the photographs is that the patrons, including Simelane herself, are not wearing masks and do not appear to be practising social distancing,” said Zikalala.
Simelane has yet to issue an apology.
Image source: @kznhealth
