Eastern Cape hospitals' CEOs defend protocol breach during King Dalindyebo's Israel delegation visit
King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo's Israel delegation visit raises questions over protocol and governance.
Image: File
“We accepted Israel’s donation because we did not want to be seen as defying AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who called and introduced us to the officials.”
This is what the two chief executive officers of the hospitals in the Eastern Cape have told the provincial government on why they breached government’s protocol to allow access to Israel Embassy officials in the public hospitals.
King Dalindyebo sparked controversy on Tuesday by taking Israel Embassy officials to visit the public hospitals in the province without the knowledge of the International Relations and Cooperation Department (DIRCO) and the provincial government.
The two CEOs, following a preliminary investigation by provincial Health Department officials, defended their breach of diplomatic and standard government protocols, which allowed a delegation access to their hospitals.
They claimed that they felt compelled to accept the delegation out of respect for the king, fearing they would embarrass him in front of his guests.
An official from Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that while the premier awaits a report from Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa on the incident, the Premier’s Office has learned the defence of the two CEOs.
They claim that after being called to the king's residence, they felt they could not walk away and embarrass him after he introduced them to guests. This is despite not having been informed beforehand.
According to the insiders, on Tuesday, the king called the two CEOs to his residence and without their prior knowledge, he introduced them to the Israel delegation and immediately told them they were bringing donations to the hospitals.
The provincial government’s spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga said although the CEOs’ explanation is not officially part of the report since the investigation is still ongoing, the Premier’s Office did receive that explanation.
“It is true we received that explanation; however, this is not an official report. The Health MEC will provide the premier with a comprehensive report on what transpired. After learning about this, the premier immediately directed the Health MEC to investigate and bring a report to him. We need to know how the access was granted and how the donations were received without the known standard protocols,” said Mbananga.
He further stated that Premier Mabuyane has officially briefed DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola about the incident, adding that it would now be the department that will deal with the matter.
However, Mbananga emphasised that the provincial government is not against donations or against Israel, as many are now suggesting that, arguing that what the provincial government is against is the undermining of the government’s protocols and the country’s Constitution.
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri had not yet responded to the questions sent to him earlier at the time of publishing. Attempts to get the king were unsuccessful.
King Dalindyebo's recent visit to Israel, during which he was hosted by senior government officials, sparked widespread criticism.
The backlash was amplified by the hoisting of the South African flag during the meeting, which many interpreted as suggesting the king's engagement with Israeli officials was representative of the country. This visit had not been approved by DIRCO.