Zikalala takes steps against Health MEC for maskless party
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has been ordered to donate 50% of her salary to NGOs working with Covid-19.
She also needs to issue a public apology for contravening Covid-19 safety regulations.
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala announced the steps at a press conference on Saturday.
Simelane came under fire after photographs and videos emerged showing a lack of social distancing and masks at her recent birthday party.
"Even though the circumstances that may have landed the MEC in this situation may have been beyond her control, however, the public still have expectation that we should lead them ethically," Zikalala said.
"The province of KwaZulu-Natal finds itself in the midst of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic which has devastated the entire economy of our country and province.
STATEMENT BY PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL SIHLE ZIKALALA ON ALLEGATIONS THAT MEC FOR HEALTH NOMAGUGU SIMELANE BROKE COVID-19 REGULATIONS, DURBAN, 28 AUGUST 2021 pic.twitter.com/xLUM8aDb9W
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) August 28, 2021
"At the centre of the battle against the virus is the call to the people of KwaZulu-Natal to adopt the non-pharmaceutical preventative measures.
"The MEC for Health has been charged with the responsibility to lead the efforts of our province in the mission to provide a better health for all.
"In addition, the MEC has been given the responsibility to champion the fight against Covid-19.
"The MEC is therefore at the chest of the war and is expected to lead by example at all times."
