WATCH | ‘People are sick now’: Malema urges Ramaphosa to back 24-hour clinics

Malema

Cape Town – EFF leader Julius Malema has urged Cyril Ramaphosa to adopt his party’s proposal for 24-hour public clinics, arguing that South Africans need better healthcare services rather than short-term handouts.

Speaking during the president’s oral question session in Parliament this week, Malema said the party had already introduced a bill in 2018 calling for clinics to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but it was rejected by the African National Congress (ANC).

He said people could not wait for the delayed rollout of the National Health Insurance Act while many still struggle to access healthcare.

“President, despite the complications around the NHI, the EFF tabled a bill in 2018 to open clinics for 24 hours, but the ANC rejected it. Our people cannot wait for the implementation of the NHI because they are sick now, not in 2030.

“They need clinics and health facilities that are functional and in good condition,” Malema said.

“Instead of implementing measures that will change people’s lives, communities are being given bread instead of sustainable healthcare solutions.

“Having now seen the conditions at facilities such as George Mukhari and others, will you support the EFF’s proposal to open clinics for 24 hours, and to service, renovate and improve existing facilities while the long-term implementation of the NHI continues?”

Malema’s comments came after a viral video showed volunteers wearing ANC-branded clothing distributing bread to residents. The ANC later distanced itself from the incident, saying it was not an authorised party campaign.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by