Ngxata misusing her power, they claim
THE situation was tense at Marjorie Parrish TB Hospital last week when angry staff members protested against what they claim are ineffective management, favouritism and intimidation at the facility.
General staff, including some supervisors, caterers, clerks and Nehawu union members gathered outside the gate singing songs condemning hospital general manager, Nomalizo Ngxata.
Ngxata has been at Marjorie Parish for two years and has spent one year in the management role, but has in that time built up a reputation among employees as a leader who misuses her power.
Some of the allegations directed at their boss by protesters, include threats of unlawful job termination, re-writing of internal policies without them being approved by mid-level managers, and theft of a washing machine, admin materials and government-issued airtime.
A mid-level manager who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of intimidation, echoed many of the allegations made by protesters, saying it was not uncommon for Ngxata to act unilaterally and in the interest of those she favoured.
The source pointed fingers at Ngxata’s personal assistant and friend from her home town in Peddie, who allegedly receives certain unauthorised privileges and benefits. “They are from the same village, and recently she started getting paid a stand-by allowance, something that is usually paid to doctors or nurses, not admin personnel. “When we asked Ngxata why, she ignored us,” the source said.
The source also accused Ngxata of misspending money on unauthorised items in the hospital. “There is money for toiletries and things like toilet paper but she doesn’t buy it – instead she claims she had to buy paper for somewhere else in the hospital.”
One of the union members Zoleka Ntlala said they were tired of Ngxata’s treatment of them and accused her of implementing “Mugabe style” leadership and management. “She is turning this hospital into a sinking ship,” Ntlala said.
The group of protesters said they had sent a request to the provincial health MEC to intervene and that an official petition against Ngxata was drawn up. “If the MEC doesn’t come, we will let those patients starve. We won’t cook for them if she doesn’t respond,” Ntlala said.
When TotT attempted to speak to Ngxata she did not want to comment. TotT sent questions to the provincial department of health last week, but received no response.
