There they will engage medical personnel, health experts, and tracers on measures taken to combat the virus.

This, as Health Minister Zweli Mkhize last night confirmed that the number of those infected in the province stands at 84 with Bloemfontein being the province's epicentre. Addressing members of the media, alongside Ntombela and Tsiu, Mkhize urged residents to adhere to the regulations of the lockdown and remain at their houses. Following the engagement with health professionals in Bloemfontein, Ntombela and Tsiu will make their way to the Bongani Hospital to assess the facility and its state of readiness to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Just two days ago, this hospital made news headlines when nurses were up in arms over transportation issues. Nurses at this hospital embarked on a strike demanding that they must be provided with transportation to work.

The provincial Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, confirmed to OFM News that the nurses were protesting against transport costs and what they deemed as unfair practices by taxi operators in the region, who allegedly demanded that they pay extra for transport. 

He said nurses then expressed their frustration at the hospital, for the department to intervene. 

Ntombela and Tsiu will, amongst other health challenges, be expected to address questions over transport issues following the strike.

OFM News