The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) to intervene and investigate the Mpumalanga nurses who went viral recently for assaulting and mistreating a naked patient at Tonga Hospital.
A disturbing video of a nurse was circulated on social media platforms recently where she is seen assaulting and mistreating Lydia Makhoba, a patient at Tonga Hospital, while she was naked on the floor. The nurse also allegedly used harsh words to the patient and mishandled her on the back of her neck when trying to place her back on the bed with the assistance of others.
According to reports, Makhoba was admitted at the hospital on March 13 2025 due to a diabetic foot and hypertension. Makhoba has since been reported to have died this week. Cause of death has not yet been released.
The provincial department of health has released a statement saying that they will investigate the matter and take disciplinary action against the three nurses who were on duty on that day.
Although the DA welcomes the department and MEC Sasekani Manzini’s commitment to investigate the whole incident, we also want them to refer this matter to the HPCSA to do their own investigations.
The DA is also concerned that this matter might also expose the provincial department of health to another medical claim.
Currently, the Mpumalanga Department of Health faces numerous medical negligence claims, with a significant financial burden, including claims totalling over R10 billion and a high number of cases currently under investigation.
The DA demands the provincial department of health introduce strict disciplinary measures for the healthcare professionals who are continuously exposing the department to billions of rands in medical negligence claims. We also ask the department to address the issues of shortage of staff in clinics and hospitals, old and dilapidated infrastructure. Nurses are always tired because they are over worked. Issues like these might have direct link to all the incidences that are happening in our health institutions.
We would also like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Makhoba about her passing. May her soul rest in peace.