Union calls for accountability after doctor dies while on duty

The Public Servants Association of South Africa has demanded accountability after a doctor reportedly died while on duty at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban.

Alulutho Mazwi was serving as a medical intern in the hospital’s Pediatrics department.

As reported by The South African, PSA spokesperson in KZN Mlungisi Ndlovu said, “Our thoughts are very clear, doctor Alulutho Mazwi’s death would have been prevented if the department had listened to us when we handed over a memorandum in August (2024) and also in February (2025). They failed to take action”.

In the memorandums drawn up by PSA in August 2024 and February this year, they accused the Department of Health of human rights violations. They said at the time Prince Mshiyeni Hospital had water supply issues, lack of equipment, medication deficits and staff shortages.

STAFF SHORTAGE A HUGE CHALLENGE AT DURBAN HOSPITAL

Ndlovu said he believed staff shortages at Mshiyeni hospital were a possible reason why Mazwi was at work on the day of his death.

Speaking to The South African he said, “We demand a full investigation on how these interns are ill-treated and other frontline workers”.

A former doctor at the hospital, Sbonokuhle Khumalo, took to TikTok to sound the alarm on Dr Mazwi’s case. Khumalo claimed that she served her internship at Mshiyeni hospital. She said she knew very well how toxic the pediatric department could be.

According to Khumalo, Dr Mazwi was ill and had requested for time off from work. She alleges that his sick leave request was denied. In a statement, the Department of Health acknowledged claims that Mazwi was facing health challenges.

Screenshots purporting to be a WhatsApp message exchange between Mazwi and his superior have since been leaked, allegedly by Mazwi’s family, on social media.

This message, which the South African has not yet independently verified, was allegedly written by Mazwi. It reads, ‘Good morning Doc, I’m not feeling well today. Apologies for the inconvenience caused to the team.’ A response to the text reads, ‘I expect you to be on duty.’

Mazwi’s colleagues, have since shared the screenshots across various social media platforms. They allege it was a response from his supervisor.

In response to the allegations, Ndlovu said, “We demand that the supervisor involved must be placed on precautionary suspension”.

PARLIAMENT REACTS TO YOUNG DOCTOR’S DEATH

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, expressed his deepest condolences to Dr Mazwi’s family. He vowed that his office was investigating the matter that led to Mazwi’s death.

Dr Dhlomo said, “We recognise the immense loss felt by the hospital staff, who witnessed the intern’s struggle and the impact of systemic failures in our healthcare system. It is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by our medical professionals, especially those just beginning their careers. Their commitment to healing and care should never be compromised by preventable circumstances.”

 “As we mourn this loss, we must also reflect on the urgent need for reform within our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose more young lives to preventable incidents”,Dhlomo continued. .

He said it was crucial that the department works together to ensure that medical interns and professionals are provided with the necessary support, resources and an environment to thrive.