Opposition parties have expressed dismay and called for the resignation of KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, after a video showing her partying and disregarding Covid-19 regulations went viral on social media.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Chairperson, Dean Macpherson, said what the MEC did is totally reckless. “She was irresponsible for partying it up with her friends, disregarding Covid-19 regulations. She lectures citizens about Covid-19 regulations on a daily basis but she fails to adhere to them. We do not accept her apology and we call for her to resign. If she does not resign the premier should fire her. Why is she getting special treatment? She must be arrested and appear in court like all other people who disregard Covid-19 regulations,” said Macpherson. Inkatha Freedom Party Spokesperson for Health in KZN, Ncamisile Nkwanyana, said they are shocked by the negligence displayed by some ANC MECs, who were allegedly caught on camera while partying, with no social distancing measures or masks in sight. “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 Rule of Law, as well as the safety of their fellow South Africans. This most unfortunate incident occurred at the height of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, with new cases escalating daily. As we speak, KwaZulu-Natal has recorded more than 3 000 cases of new daily infections. We call upon ANC leadership in the province to institute harsh disciplinary measures against the MEC and other ANC officials in the visuals. Leaders should walk the talk – the notion that all are equal, but some are more equal than others, must come to an end,” said Nkwanyana. She added that the IFP calls for an immediate investigation of these allegations. “All those found guilty of contravening Covid-19 regulations must be brought to book, regardless of who they are and prosecuted without fear or favour,” she said.
In a media statement, the KZN Health Department said MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu claimed that the celebration of her birthday was a surprise that she was not aware of. “The MEC accepted an invitation to a purported meeting which turned out to be a surprise lunch for her birthday. This lunch took place at a private venue and was organised and attended by close family and friends of the MEC. Upon her arrival, the MEC first expressed her surprise and noted that there was adequate social distancing. She then personally conducted a headcount of those who were in attendance, which showed that there were 36 people on-site. “She went on to encourage those in attendance to adhere to social distancing and constantly use the hand sanitiser that was freely available at the venue,” the statement read. The media statement further stated that there was a time during a brief musical performance where the guests stood danced, unfortunately without wearing their masks, as they were still in the process of eating. “The MEC deeply regrets the failure by some of the attendees, including herself, at that time, to wear masks, during this short performance during dining. The MEC will be submitting a formal report to the Premier regarding this incident,” the statement read.
