Probe uncovers systemic failures in KZN health sector after worker deaths

A joint investigation into the deaths of healthcare professionals in KwaZulu-Natal has uncovered widespread systemic challenges across the province’s public health sector, including chronic staff shortages, excessive workloads, resource constraints, delays in filling critical vacancies and inadequate mental health support for healthcare workers.

Despite these findings, Health Ombudsman Professor Taole Mokoena said the investigation found no direct causal link between the deaths and workplace bullying, victimisation or adverse working conditions.

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The investigation examined several cases reported at public hospitals across the province, including Addington, Port Shepstone, Ngwelezane, Prince Mshiyeni, Vryheid District and Benedictine hospitals.

Among them was the case of Dr Tumelo Kgaladi (31), who worked in the obstetrics and gynaecology unit at Addington Hospital and died at his residence while off duty.

The investigation found no causal link between his death and workplace conditions. Mokoena said evidence showed Kgaladi had a history of mental health challenges that had not been disclosed to his employer.

The death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi (25) at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital drew widespread public attention after he died at his hospital residence and was declared dead on arrival at the emergency department.

While claims on social media alleged he had been forced to work despite being ill, the investigation found no evidence to support this.

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However, it highlighted a troubling culture among junior doctors, with interns reluctant to take sick leave because of workload pressures and concerns that doing so could extend their training period.

Mokoena said Mazwi had uncontrolled diabetes and that the support systems available to him were inadequate.

The investigation also found no direct connection between workplace conditions and the other deaths examined at public healthcare facilities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Even so, healthcare workers interviewed during the investigation described widespread burnout, deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate employee wellness programmes, poor management of workplace grievances and persistent staffing shortages that have placed increasing pressure on frontline staff.

Mokoena said it would be “remiss” to ignore these systemic shortcomings simply because they could not be directly linked to the deaths.

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Employee wellbeing is central to the functioning of the healthcare system.

“The system cannot care for the public if it fails to take care of those who provide healthcare,” he said.