Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
18 May 2025 | 11:00 CAT

Gone too soon: Dr. Aluto Mazwi, a dedicated young intern whose tragic death has sparked national calls for urgent health sector reform. (Image- News24/Lolwethu Mazwi)

The tragic death of Dr. Aluto Mazwi, a young medical intern at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, has triggered national outrage and urgent calls for reform in South Africa’s strained public health system. Dr. Mazwi, recently diagnosed with diabetes, reportedly died on duty after being compelled to work while critically ill — a decision his union, the Public Servants Association (PSA), attributes to his supervisor.

“This is not the first time a sick doctor has gone to work, but Dr. Mazwi’s case is a grim reminder of the pressures our healthcare workers endure,” said Professor Tasleem Ras of the South African Academy of Family Physicians, speaking to Radio Islam.

While the exact circumstances remain under investigation, the case has shone a light on a wider crisis in the healthcare sector. “Healthcare workers — not only doctors — are functioning under immense pressure,” noted Prof. Ras. “Many are battling invisible illnesses, particularly mental health challenges, yet feel compelled to continue working.”

Prof. Ras underscored that while South Africa’s Department of Health has a robust people-first framework in place — the Batho Pele principles — the inconsistent implementation across provinces is a major concern. “On paper, it’s brilliant. But in practice, it’s failing the very people meant to uphold it.”

Seven key reforms have been proposed by medical experts and unions:

1. Full implementation of existing policies, particularly those promoting staff wellbeing.
2. Recognition of austerity’s impact on public health workers’ mental and physical health.
3. Broad-scale staff wellness programmes, tailored to local contexts.
4. Training for managers and consultants on psychosocial sensitivity and cultural awareness.
5. Strengthened labour relations and accountability, ensuring staff have recourse when ill-treated.
6. Zero-tolerance policies for bullying and intimidation in the workplace.
7. An urgent national dialogue on the mental health crisis in healthcare.

“We’ve lost a brilliant, young life,” said Prof. Ras. “Dr. Mazwi was gifted. He could have contributed greatly to his community and country. But the system failed him — and it’s failing many others.”

As more young professionals leave the public sector, or the profession altogether, experts warn that the healthcare system faces a looming collapse if no urgent action is taken.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Professor Tasleem Ras here.