The Public Servants’ Association (PSA) has sounded the alarm over dire conditions at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, following the death of 25-year-old medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi. The union says the tragedy underscores critical failures in the public health system and raises serious concerns about the readiness of the Department of Health to roll out the National Health Insurance (NHI).
Dr Mazwi reportedly collapsed twice while on duty and was allegedly denied sick leave despite being unwell. Her death has sparked outrage among healthcare workers and calls for accountability. A supervising doctor has since been placed on precautionary suspension pending an investigation.
PSA members staged a picket outside the hospital this week, demanding an independent inquiry into the incident. The union is also calling for a public apology and formal acknowledgment from the Department of Health, citing what they describe as “systemic abuse” of medical interns.
“As the PSA in KwaZulu-Natal, we must express our concern. If the department hopes to implement the NHI, yet hospitals like Prince Mshiyeni remain in such conditions, we do not believe they are ready,” said PSA provincial manager Mlungisi Ndlovu. “Infrastructure must be improved, and there must be adequate staff if universal healthcare access is to become a reality.”
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that Health Ombudsman Professor Taole Mokoena has been tasked with leading an independent investigation into both the circumstances of Mazwi’s death and broader working conditions at the facility.
“There are troubling reports that the person placed on suspension was seen within the hospital premises,” said Motsoaledi. “When someone is suspended, they should not be present. While the department is conducting its own review, we’ve asked the Health Ombudsman to investigate independently.”
Motsoaledi also confirmed that the Department of Employment and Labour has been asked to examine potential workplace safety violations and the processes for compensation in the event of deaths linked to duty.
The investigation will not only focus on Mazwi’s case but also assess whether systemic failures exist in how junior healthcare professionals are managed. Several trade unions have criticised the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health for inadequate support, deteriorating infrastructure, and the growing pressure on frontline staff.