logo
South African patient airlifted after 'healthcare failure' in Zimbabwe

South African patient airlifted after 'healthcare failure' in Zimbabwe

A South African patient, who became seriously ill while working in Bulawayo, allegedly struggled to get the critical medical attention he needed while in Zimbabwe.
As the patient's life hung in the balance, his only viable option was not within Zimbabwe's borders. As a result, South African authorities dispatched a helicopter to retrieve him.
According to reports, an ambulance transported the patient from Bulawayo to Beitbridge, where a helicopter airlifted him to South Africa.
The situation appeared so serious that Limpopo's Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and Health MEC, Dieketseng Mashego, were personally there when he arrived.
The Limpopo Provincial government confirmed the incident on X. They emphasised that the patient could not receive necessary medical treatment when he fell ill in Bulawayo.
The incident has since painted a grim picture of Zimbabwe's healthcare system. Some netizens took to social media to react to the incident.
'When I write about Zimbabwe being a failed state, some of you think that I am exaggerating,' said Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono.
'…but this is our daily reality in Zimbabwe. Corruption has destroyed healthcare in Zimbabwe, and the few stories that I share on this page are only the tip of the iceberg.'
Here is how others reacted on X:
@Ish_Nzimande: 'In Zimbabwe, they don't allow other African countries to use their health care facilities.'
@Faridaa50635225: 'Well, well, so we have to treat them but they are unable to treat us Where is Simba now'
@smmongo:'How did the Premier and the MEC know about this? Did the person who fell ill speed dial them? Was this person working for government?'
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

King Charles III shares health update amid cancer fight
King Charles III shares health update amid cancer fight

The South African

time6 hours ago

  • The South African

King Charles III shares health update amid cancer fight

King Charles III has offered a rare and uplifting update on his health as he continues to battle cancer. Since publicly revealing his diagnosis in February 2024, the British monarch has kept his spirits high while juggling a busy schedule of royal duties. During a recent visit to the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, King Charles spoke candidly with a royal fan, Lee Harman, according to E News. Harman shared with the PA News agency how the monarch described his condition. 'He said he was feeling a lot better now and that it was 'just one of those things,'' Harman recounted. This simple but honest statement reflects how the King is managing his illness with remarkable composure. Buckingham Palace later confirmed Charles' condition is under control, describing it as a 'managed condition.' A source told NBC News in December 2024 that his treatment cycle would continue into next year. Despite this, Charles remains committed to fulfilling his royal responsibilities alongside Queen Camilla. In April 2025, Charles shared insights from his cancer journey at a reception honouring cancer researchers at Buckingham Palace. He emphasised the human experience behind the statistics. 'Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,' he said in a statement distributed at the event. 'Being one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity. The darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.' Interestingly, King Charles' announcement came just a month before his son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, revealed Kate's cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales completed chemotherapy in September 2024 and recently opened up about her ongoing recovery. Kate acknowledged the challenge of the post-treatment phase. 'You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment,' she said during a visit to Colchester Hospital in early July. 'Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is difficult.' She stressed the importance of support from loved ones. 'Someone to help talk you through that, show you and guide you through that sort of phase that comes after treatment, I think is valuable.' At 76 years old, King Charles continues to inspire many. His ongoing treatment and busy schedule show determination. As the monarch puts it, sometimes facing cancer is 'just one of those things.' This attitude, combined with his courage and grace, encourages countless people battling illness across the Commonwealth and beyond. With his health managed and his spirit strong, King Charles remains a symbol of hope. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Beyond stress: Understanding and preventing burnout before It breaks you
Beyond stress: Understanding and preventing burnout before It breaks you

The Citizen

time13 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Beyond stress: Understanding and preventing burnout before It breaks you

Burnout is not just a buzzword, it is a silent epidemic that is eroding wellbeing, productivity and quality of life among the workforce, and high achievers appear to be especially at risk. A clinical psychologist and occupational therapist of Netcare Akeso Umhlanga's Centre of Psychotherapy Excellence (COPE) team unpacks the troubling consequences of unmanaged chronic work stress, emphasising that prevention is always better than rebuilding after crises. 'Burnout is a state of exhaustion – physically, emotionally and mentally – caused by excessive and continued stress. The three main characteristics of burnout are exhaustion, cynicism – which is a negative or detached attitude – and decreased motivation and productivity over a sustained period,' explains Claudia van Blerk, Netcare Akeso Umhlanga COPE Manager and occupational therapist. The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon, rather than a medical diagnosis. The Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2025 Report noted a six point decrease in South African employee engagement levels, with less than a quarter (23%) of respondents feeling engaged at work, and more than a third (36%) reporting daily stress, both key components observed in people suffering from burnout. Very often, people on the verge of burnout may notice that the same tasks take much longer to complete than before, and even putting in additional working hours often does not translate into achieving what was previously manageable within working hours. Burnout symptoms may include: • Fatigue • Decreased effectiveness in daily tasks • Frequent physical illnesses or injuries • Negative thoughts • Low mood • Lack of motivation 'Burnout may trigger or worsen mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Also, burnout that is prolonged or not addressed can very quickly lead to exacerbation of anxiety and depressive-related symptoms,' adds clinical psychologist Vashnie Sithambaram. 'These may include, but are not limited to, depressed mood, low motivation, isolation, negative thoughts, constantly feeling on edge or worrying, easily triggered by situations in the environment, as well as psychosomatic symptoms, such as body aches or flu-like symptoms.' She explains that psychosomatic symptoms refer to physical symptoms that are induced by emotional distress, further compromising a person's ability to meet the demands of their daily life. 'If we look at burnout from a systemic point of view, it has a ripple effect. No person exists in isolation, and eventually, the burnout symptoms can cause a person to become disconnected from those around them. Often, this can lead to interpersonal challenges and even conflicts, further exacerbating the situation.' How long does it take to recover from burnout? 'There is no defined recovery period for burnout, as this is unique to the individual and may depend on various factors,' Sithambaram says. These factors may be determined by asking the following questions: • How long have the burnout symptoms been present? • Does the person consistently find themselves in situations that require them to work under stress? • Is the person seeking therapeutic assistance? Some therapies can be short-term, and others may require long-term work to address underlying issues that could increase a person's vulnerability to developing burnout in the future. Van Blerk adds that once the point of burnout has been reached, it can be difficult to manage or recover without external intervention. 'In-patient treatment may be recommended, as the multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and occupational therapists, can help address the underlying concerns holistically. 'Both group and individual sessions are beneficial for people recovering from burnout, although initially it may seem daunting to engage. We find that encouraging participation as much as possible is essential to getting the best out of admission for burnout and the resources available,' she says. 'Some typical therapy goals that we work towards in recovery from burnout include developing coping skills, identifying triggers, helping to change negative thought patterns and treating mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and others that can either contribute to burnout or be exacerbated by chronic stress,' she says. 'Once a person has been discharged from in-hospital care, it is vital to continue care on an individual outpatient basis after discharge. Family sessions could also help address underlying triggers or issues that have developed due to the burnout symptoms,' Van Blerk says. Sithambaram urges working people to consider their work-life balance as a wellbeing priority to prevent burnout from developing. Psychologist's tips for protecting against burnout • Surround yourself with a strong support system, both at work and among your friends and family. • Don't skip self-care activities: Take time to rest, enjoy activities that bring out your creative side, exercise, spend quality time with family, and set aside solo time for hobbies and journaling. • Take care of your physical health and wellbeing, as this directly impacts your mental health and ability to cope with the demands of everyday life. • Time management: Prioritise what is important and tackle the difficult tasks first to avoid procrastination and reduce the constant worry about work not completed • Seek professional support if needed. Netcare Akeso's crisis helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0861 435 787. Call to speak with an experienced counsellor and explore options for assistance. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is also available to assist on 0800 205 026 or 011 234 4837.

#TheSomedayShift: From ‘I can't' to canyon conqueror
#TheSomedayShift: From ‘I can't' to canyon conqueror

The Citizen

time14 hours ago

  • The Citizen

#TheSomedayShift: From ‘I can't' to canyon conqueror

Welcome to The Someday Shift – a space where we celebrate everyday people who stopped waiting and started doing. Convincing people to try something they never thought possible is one of my superpowers and these are their stories. Two years ago, I received a call from a fast-talking, very nervous woman. 'Hello,' she blurted out. 'I want to join your programme, but I'm unfit, carrying more weight than I'd like (who isn't, I thought to myself), and I can't even walk around the block.' I listened and simply replied, 'Come and try. You'll be fine.' I reassured her she would be safe. It's important to create spaces where people can show up, even when they don't feel like they belong in an active setting. They may look different or not fit a mould and that is okay. That woman was Nicola Smuts, and she recently crossed the finish line of Kruger2Canyon, a multi-day trail event through some of South Africa's most breathtaking and demanding terrain. The race spans the northern Drakensberg, the Blyde River Canyon and bushveld near Kruger National Park. But Nicola's journey didn't start with a grand goal. It began with one brave decision: To move, to try, to step outside her comfort zone. She pitched up and kept pitching up. From struggling to walk around the block to completing her first 5km, then 10km. Her family began to notice the change. Nicola wasn't dabbling in a fad, she was creating a new normal. She wasn't sure where it would all lead, only that she needed change. With support from the Ordinarily Active community, consistent effort and a quiet shift in mindset, transformation followed. 'I never saw myself as that person,' Nicola reflected. 'But over time, I hesitantly started to believe I could be.' That's what living life actively is about. Not being the fittest or fastest, but showing up, especially when it feels hard. It's about becoming the kind of person who does things they once thought impossible. It's about contributing and inspiring others along the way. Was Kruger2Canyon hard? Absolutely. Did she doubt herself? Yes. Was it worth it? A resounding YES. So if you have been waiting for a sign – this is it. Start walking. Start moving. Start believing. Because what if 'someday' became today? Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store