'Mantashe and Nxesi must lead by example. If they made these public hospitals for the people, they must use them as well,' Kalipa says.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe. Picture: Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Felix Dlangamandla
It is understood Mantashe’s wife, Nolwandle, who also tested positive for the virus like her husband, got concerned and called for him to be taken to hospital when his health deteriorated. While it could not be ascertained how many other Cabinet members have existing co-morbidities, Mantashe and Nxesi were known diabetics. But the fact that they chose private hospitals over public facilities raised concerns.
“Mantashe and Nxesi must lead by example. If they made these public hospitals for the people, they must use them as well,” Kalipa said. Political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze from Unisa said it could demoralise the entire system if many ministers went sick because of Covid-19, especially on policy decision-making.The majority of the 30 cabinet ministers excluding deputies, are over 60 years old and that could put them at higher risk should they contract the virus.
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