KZN Health MEC Simelane apologises for ‘less than ethical’ partying

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has publicly apologised for her “less than ethical or exemplary conduct” displayed when she attended a surprise birthday party where adjusted lockdown level 3 regulations were allegedly violated.

Simelane’s apology comes after KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala ordered the following sanctions against Simelane:

–       Simelane-Zulu must issue a public apology for her conduct within the next seven days

–        She has received a warning from him 

–       Her salary will be docked by 50% next month and the funds will go to an Amajuba-based NGO which is working to fight Covid-19.

Her formal apology read as follows: “As directed by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, I, Nomagugu Simelane, hereby wish to tender a public apology for having being less than ethical or examplary in my conduct, as has been found by the Premier,” Simelane said in her written apology on Thursday night.

“I respect all of the Premier’s utterances and sanctions without reservation and will, henceforth, abide by them fully as I am fully aware of the responsibility that I hold as well as the purpose and intention of the COVID-19 regulations,” Simelane said.

“As we remain confronted by the third wave of COVID – 19 infections, it is time for us not to be deterred; but to instead unite, strengthen our systems, and fight even harder than before, in order to save as many lives as possible.”

Her apology also comes after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KZN said it  had opened a criminal charge against Simelane for the alleged violation of lockdown rules.

“The DA does not believe that the Health MECs punishment fits the crime. In fact, we regard the Premier’s sanctions against MEC Simelane-Zulu as extremely weak given the magnitude of her actions during a deadly third wave,” the DA said.

“The Premier’s excuses, such as the fact that the MEC and her guests were not wearing masks as they were eating – when the video clip clearly shows otherwise – are also a slap in the face to the people of KZN,” the party said.



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