Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - August 11, 2007
Former deputy health minister Nosiweve Madlala-Routledge was fired for her inability to work as part of the "collective" and for undertaking a trip to Madrid against President Thabo Mbeki's orders.
This is according to the letter Mbeki sent to Madlala-Routledge on Wednesday firing her.
The Presidency released the letter today to "prevent further speculation and misrepresentations of facts".
In a briefing in Cape Town yesterday, Madlala-Routledge said she was axed for an unannounced hospital visit and an unauthorised trip abroad.
"I've been fired for paying an unannounced visit to Frere Hospital on the 13th of July 2007 and for my response to the shocking situation I found in the maternity ward," the former deputy said.
This visit to Frere Hospital was prompted by the much publicised story broken by the Daily Dispatch newspaper after a two-month under-cover investigation into why babies died at Frere Hospital, she said.
"The other reason for my dismissal is the much publicised trip I undertook to Madrid to address a conference hosted by...the International Aids Vaccine Initiative.
"What is at issue here is that I went to Madrid without permission from the president."
In his letter to his former deputy health minister, Mbeki wrote the Constitution called on government officials to work collectively to develop and implement national policies.
"I have, during the period you served as Deputy Minister of Defence, consistently drawn your attention to the concerns raised by your colleagues about your inability to work as part of a collective, as the Constitution enjoins us to," the President wrote.
He said he had discussed these issues with her even during her tenure as deputy Minister of Health.
"You travelled to Madrid despite the fact that I had declined your request to undertake this trip. It is clear to me that you have no intention to abide by the constitutional prescriptions that bind all of us.
"For this reason I suggested to you that you should resign."
"It is clear that you do not accept my advice. This leaves me no choice but to relieve you of your duties."
Madlala-Routledge said during her press briefing that she did not resign because she wanted to know what processes were followed to establish that "I had broken rules in how I organised my trip to Madrid".
"But at that stage already, I did not think that doing what I was paid to do was wrong."
070811
SA070807
Copyright © 2007 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .