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 22, 2007
In his letter to the President, DA spokesperson on health Mike Waters cites Tshabalala-Msimang's obsession with good nutrition as a substitute for proper HIV/Aids treatment as one of the reasons she should be fired.
"A [recent] study on the question of nutrition versus medication in combating diseases such as Aids, which concluded that healthy eating was no substitute for correctly used medication, is yet another piece of evidence to contradict the minister's highly public and extremely damaging opinion that good nutrition is of equivalent value to antiretrovirals in treating Aids," he said.
This, compounded by the minister's inability to ensure that provincial health departments' expenditure was monitored, rendered her unfit to continue serving in her current portfolio.
Waters also drew Mbeki's attention to recent media reports that Tshabalala-Msimang was found guilty on a criminal charge of theft in 1976 in Botswana, saying the conviction casts some doubt on her suitability for the position of health minister.
"These scandals are having a direct impact on the atrocious state of the public health service and are costing lives, and it is absurd that the minister should continue to hold the position of trust and responsibility that she does in the midst of these scandals.
"I hope that you will consider these factors and make a decision to remove her from her post," he said.
No confidence
The DA had on Tuesday in the National Assembly proposed a motion of no confidence in Tshabalala-Msimang and called for her dismissal.
However, Speaker Baleka Mbete said it was not clear whether the motion was a substantive motion or a motion of no confidence. Mbete said she would consider the matter and report back to the House.
The Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) said on Tuesday that the evidence Mbeki needed to sack Tshabalala-Msimang was contained in the Auditor General's reports.
"If President Mbeki needs evidence for the removal of Tshabalala-Msimang, he need look no further than the Auditor General's and annual reports of South Africa's national and provincial health departments," the PSAM said in a statement.
The reports show that, during her time as minister of health, Tshabalala-Msimang had failed to ensure adequate financial management and failed to ensure a reduction in the shortage of skilled health workers in South Africa, the PSAM statement read.
Amongst other things, the Auditor General found late or non-submission of monthly and quarterly financial reports by provinces, resulting in the national department not being able to properly monitor expenditure; quarterly visits to provinces were not always conducted; and the minister had failed to ensure that her accounting officer had maintained oversight over the financial management of provincial departments.
070822
SA070809
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. .