Public Service Commission response on the KZN man who died in a makeshift ward at Northdale hospital parking lot in KwaZulu-Natal

13 August 2020

The KwaZulu-Natal Public Service Commission (PSC) wish to commend the provincial Department of Health for acting swiftly in lodging an investigation following the unfortunate death on a 67 year old man who died in a makeshift ward in a parking lot at Northdale Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The incidence came at a time when public hospitals are under immense pressure in dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19). Although the PSC has noted with appreciation the efforts done by the healthcare workers around the country in dealing with the pandemic and their contribution in saving lives with limited resources, the healthcare workers and public servants at large, still has a responsibility to ensure that in delivering services to the people, they observe the Constitutional Values and Principles (CVPs) which requires for members of the public to be treated with dignity and care. It is during times like this that the Public Service should show empathy and care in dealing with communities that are faced with different challenges including the Covid-19 infections.

The PSC encourages public servant on the frontline to continue to observe the CVPs, even under strenuous conditions, which aims to inculcate the culture of professionalism, accountability, responsiveness and ethical behavior in the Public Service.

The PSC would also like to encourage citizens and public servants to report any untoward conduct without fear as the whistleblowers are protected in terms of the Protected Disclosures Act, 26 of 2000 as amended.

Issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Public Service Commission

Enquiries: Pumziwe Kwanini- 0837913701
National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701