National

Outrage over SA health official caught harassing Zimbabwean patient

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2022

BY KGOMOTSO PHOOKO

South Africa’s opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for the removal of Limpopo province’s head of the health department, who was caught on video, haranguing a patient from Zimbabwe for seeking treatment at a hospital in that country.

In a now viral video, Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba can be heard telling the undocumented foreigner admitted at the Bela Bela Hospital that they are burdening the South African health system.

The EFF has since called for the removal of the “cynical, arrogant and morally bankrupt” MEC, for her “Inhumane comments” towards the patient.

“The hateful comments, which were in full view of individuals who laughed at the merciless shaming of a patient, reveal a shocking hatred for a fellow human being by someone tasked with protecting and saving human lives,” read the EFF statement.

In the video, Ramathuba can be heard asking the patient what language they speak. The patient responds by saying they speak Shona.

“You speak Shona? Then how did you find yourself in Bela Bela?” asks Ramathuba.

She then proceeds to ask the patient why they are not in Zimbabwe with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“You know [Mnangagwa] does not give me money to operate on you guys, and I am operating on you guys with my limited budget,” Ramathuba added.

The lecture happens in full view of several people, many of whom laughed at some of the MEC’s comments.

In response to this, the patient told the MEC that she appreciates the help she’s received.

“No, you cannot appreciate that, you are killing my health system. When you guys are sick, I am hearing these days, you just say, let’s cross the Limpopo river, there is an MEC there that is running a charity department,” said Ramathuba.

She then tells the patient that Treasury gives her department a budget according to the number of people in her province who need healthcare, which doesn’t include foreigners.

“They give me a budget to do all these operations, now I am here, instead of using the budget for what it is meant for, I am operating for what Mnangagwa was supposed to do.”

Ramathuba then blamed foreigners in the province for South Africans not receiving proper medical treatment.

“My people of Limpopo want health services [but] cannot get it and that is angering the community. We are busy operating Mozambican nationals everywhere, and you are not even registered and not counted.

“You are even illegal, and you are abusing me. This is unfair, it is unfair. I cannot go to Zimbabwe and get healthcare.” – The Citizen

Related Topics:Economic Freedom Fighters Phophi Ramathuba

Up Next

I’m not xenophobic but telling the truth, says defiant SA official

Don't Miss

Poaching syndicates trap vulnerable Matabeleland North villagers

Click to comment

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

3 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.