EFF and Limpopo MEC fight over clinics

The Relela Clinic in Bolobedu, Limpopo. Picture: Alex Japho Matlala With only five months to the crucial upcoming 2026 local government elections, a fierce war of words has erupted between the EFF and the Limpopo MEC for the Department of Health, Dieketseng Mashego, over the use of clinics and hospitals by political parties to campaign for elections. The fight comes after the second-biggest political party in the Limpopo Legislature, the EFF, conducted an oversight visit to the Mankweng Hospital in Turfloop last Friday.

During the visit, led by party provincial chairperson Makgabo Lawrence Mapoulo and spokesperson Jacob Lebogo, the EFF allegedly unearthed a ‘heap of rot’ at the hospital and infrastructure decay that had remained unchecked for years. Many in the province construed the oversight as the first strike by the Red Berets to launch their election campaign by exposing alleged government rot ahead of the upcoming 4 November polls. Allegedly, in fear of being reprimanded by her boss, Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Constance Ramathaba, Mashego instructed her communications unit to release a media statement rebuking the EFF’s visit to the hospital and labelling it an election gimmick.

Mashego said her warning follows disturbing scenes witnessed at the hospital where healthcare workers were subjected to conduct that went beyond legitimate oversight and accountability mechanisms. Mashego said healthcare workers dedicate their lives to serving communities under often difficult circumstances. “They deserve respect, support and protection while performing their duties.

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Any form of intimidation, harassment or disruption of healthcare services under the guise of oversight is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” The MEC emphasised that the Department of Health fully recognises and supports the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation. However, she said these principles must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. “Accountability cannot come at the expense of patient care.

There is a clear distinction between constructive oversight and conduct that undermines the ability of healthcare workers to provide services to the public. “When healthcare professionals are harassed while attending to patients, it is ultimately communities that suffer the consequences.”

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