Latest news with #Nortje
IOL News
22-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Veterinary clinic liable for emotional damages after Yorkshire Terrier suffers burns
Triesie the Yorkshire Terrier who suffered a burn wound from a hot water bottle: Image: Supplied The Pierre van Ryneveld veterinary clinic in Pretoria was ordered to pay emotional damages to the owner of a Yorkshire Terrier called Triesie, who underwent a cruciate ligament repair but was badly burnt on her other leg by a hot water bottle. Riaan Nortje turned to the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, where he demanded damages from the Pierre van Ryneveld Veterinary sued the veterinary clinic for R400 000 for emotional damages. Deputy Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba granted the claim for emotional shock but ordered that the veterinary clinic pay the proved damages. Nortje also succeeded in his claim for travelling and related costs as he visited Triesie at the clinic following her injuries. The clinic was, in this regard, ordered to pay his proven damages. His claim for R103 800 in damages, following his allegations that Triesie was bought as a show dog, and if it was not for her injuries, she would have earned this amount through shows; however, this claim was turned down. The drama started when Triesie underwent a cruciate ligament repair but was allegedly badly burnt on her other leg by a hot water bottle. A few days after he had fetched her, he noticed that she had swelling on the right-hand side of her body and that she experienced severe discomfort when touched on her right-hand side. Nortje spoke to his veterinarian about it and was told that a hot water bottle was pressed against her right-hand side during the operation, which could explain her discomfort. He said he was advised to treat the swelling with a hot and a cold cloth. He said Triesie began 'oozing pus' from the skin on her right-hand side, and it emitted an odour of rotting flesh. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ He was given medication for her, but things did not improve, and he yet again returned her to the clinic as the wound smelled bad. He stated that when he returned her on another occasion, part of her skin had been removed from the burnt area. At this juncture, Nortje said she still needed to be assisted with feeding; she was unable to walk, nor could she defecate. According to him, the veterinarian apologised for the burning of the dog and said it was a mere accident. Nortje said that during this entire ordeal, she had lost about 25% of her body weight. Veterinarian Dr Hester Van Zyl testified that she performed the cruciate ligament repair procedure on Triesie. The hot water bottle used during the operation is prepared by a nurse who ensures that the bottle is filled with 50 percent cold and 50 percent warm water. The bottle is also covered with a blanket or towel to prevent burning patient animals, she explained. According to her, she did not observe any injury on the dog when she was discharged and said Nortje only later showed her the burns. She disputed that Triesie's right-hand side injury was caused by the hot water bottle used during her operation. The veterinarian said that given the circumstances, reasonable post-surgery management and aftercare treatment were provided to Triesie. Judge Lewaba found that given the evidence and pictures handed to court of Triesie's injuries, it is probable that when her right-hand side rested on the hot water bottle, she had sustained the burns. He acknowledged that Nortje had suffered emotionally and remarked that he had tears in his eyes when he testified that Triesie was like his child and that her pain also affected him.
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
KZN Health condemns vigilante protest blocking hospital access
The KZN Department of Health has condemned the 'abuse of public health services and unlawful acts of vigilantism' in relation to the ongoing protest outside Addington Hospital in Durban. Berea Mail reports that since the start of July, members of the March and March movement have stationed themselves at the gates of the hospital, checking the identity documents of people entering the government healthcare facility. March and March Durban leader Teresa Nortje said they were assisting government and healthcare workers at the South Beach-based hospital, which is 'overwhelmed by foreign nationals'. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution,' said Nortje. 'If you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer.' Non-South Africans are reportedly turned away and denied entry to the hospital. Health department condemns protest In a statement, the department condemned this, along with 'the actions of individuals and organised groups who take the law into their own hands by targeting health facilities and obstructing access to services'. According to KZN Health: 'As much as the department expresses concern over the undue burden placed on the system by undocumented migrants, we strongly reject unlawful actions that prevent any sick individual from receiving medical assistance. No member of the public or structure has the legal or moral authority to block others from accessing healthcare. These illegal actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also pose a serious risk to public health.' The department also addressed the issue of undocumented foreign nationals, stating: 'We unequivocally condemn undocumented foreign nationals who unlawfully cross into South Africa with the sole intention of unduly accessing our public health services. While our health institutions remain committed to upholding basic human rights and ethical healthcare standards, the increasing and unauthorised influx of undocumented individuals continues to place significant pressure on our already strained and underfunded public health system.' Healthcare rights outlined The Witness reports that KZN is currently battling outbreaks of measles, seasonal influenza, and new Covid-19 variants. 'Every sick person must be assessed and managed by health professionals, regardless of nationality,' said the department. It cited legislation guaranteeing access to health services: Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees the right to healthcare and emergency medical treatment for all. The National Health Act 61 of 2003 provides for access to primary healthcare, regardless of immigration status. The Refugees Act 130 of 1998 protects the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, including their right to medical care. The Immigration Act 13 of 2002 allows facilities to inquire about legal status but prohibits withholding emergency treatment. Mixed public reaction Berea Mail reports mixed reactions to the movement's protest, with some calling the campaign inhumane while others supported the cause. Crispin Hemson, a Durban resident who visited Addington Hospital, said: 'At the entrance my way was obstructed by unidentified people who were asking for IDs. I asked them what gave them the right to do this, and they said they were not allowing foreigners through, claiming Section 17 of the Constitution prohibited foreigners from using public hospitals. In reality, the Constitution does not state this at all. Section 17 is about the right to peaceful protest and states nothing about health facilities.' Conversely, Amanda Khuzwayo, who attended the Gateway clinic, said she was in and out within two hours. 'There used to be long queues and now it's quiet. This goes to show who was really benefiting from the clinic. It is sad that people are being turned away, but the results of the campaign speak for themselves.' Clarity on ID requirement confusion Meanwhile, The Witness reports the eThekwini Municipality has addressed social media confusion over a clinic notice that appeared to suggest patients without identity documents would be turned away. In a clarification, the City confirmed that ID requests are standard administrative practice during a first visit to open a patient file but are not a condition for receiving care. 'Once a file has been opened, patients are not required to bring their ID for future visits,' the statement read. The Department of Health has called on law enforcement agencies to act decisively against anyone obstructing access to health services and urged residents to raise concerns through lawful channels. 'Disrupting services endangers lives — especially those of vulnerable South Africans in critical condition — and undermines the very essence of public healthcare delivery.' Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
KZN Health condemns ‘unlawful acts of vigilantism' by protesters
THE KZN Department of Health has condemned the 'abuse of public health services and unlawful acts of vigilantism' in relation to the ongoing protest outside Addington Hospital. Since the start of July, the members of the March and March movement have been stationed at the gates of the hospital, checking the identity document of people entering the government healthcare facility. Teresa Nortje, March and March Durban leader, said that they were assisting government and healthcare workers at the South Beach-based hospital which is 'overwhelmed by foreign nationals'. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution,' said Nortje. 'If you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer.' Non-South Africans are turned away and denied entry to hospital. In a statement, the department condemned this along with 'the actions of individuals and organised groups who take the law into their own hands by targeting health facilities and obstructing access to services'. According to KZN Health, 'As much as the Department expresses concern over the undue burden placed on the system by undocumented migrants, we strongly reject unlawful actions that prevent any sick individual from receiving medical assistance. No member of the public or structure has the legal or moral authority to block others from accessing healthcare. These illegal actions are not only unconstitutional, but they also pose a serious risk to public health.' Also Read: WATCH: Foreign nationals stopped from entering Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic In the same statement the department also addressed the issue of undocumented foreign nationals. 'We unequivocally condemn undocumented foreign nationals who unlawfully cross into South Africa with the sole intention of unduly accessing our public health services. While our health institutions remain committed to upholding basic human rights and ethical healthcare standards, the increasing and unauthorised influx of undocumented individuals continues to place significant pressure on our already strained and underfunded public health system.' Meanwhile, there have been mixed reactions to the movement's protest with some calling the campaign inhumane while others supported the cause. Crispin Hemson, a Durban resident who went to Addington Hospital on Thursday morning, said that he was appalled at being asked for his ID by members of the movement. He said, 'At the entrance my way was obstructed by unidentified people who were asking people for their IDs. I asked them what gave them the right to do this, and they said they were not allowing through foreigners, and that they can do this because Section 17 of the Constitution prohibits foreigners from using public hospitals. In reality, the Constitution does not state this at all. As you know, Section 17 is about the right to peaceful protest and states nothing about health facilities.' On the other hand, Amanda Khuzwayo who was attending the Gateway clinic, said that she was in and out within two hours. 'There used to be long queues and now it's quiet, this goes to show who was really benefiting from the clinic. It is sad at the same time that people are being turned away but the results of the campaign speak for themselves,' said Khuzwayo. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Foreign nationals turned away at Addington Hospital as activist group demands SA-first healthcare
FOREIGN nationals and those who could not prove that they are South African were turned away at the gates of Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic today as members of the March and March movement manned the entry to the government facility, demanding priority healthcare for citizens. 'We are not xenophobic, we just want South Africans to be put first in the queue for services. We are fighting for our nation and citizens. Those who cannot stand up for themselves,' said March and March deputy chairperson, Lindani Xulu. The members of March and March were at the gates of the hospital from 06:00 and vowed to stay until late. Its chairperson, Teresa Nortje, said that the aim is to enforce the laws of South Africa which are being 'flouted by foreign nationals' who come to the clinic. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution, where it stipulates that when you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer,' said Nortje. She said Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth were selected by the organisation as the start of this campaign because they are hotspots for foreign nationals. 'We are taking a stand here today, and letting foreign nationals know, that we are tired and cannot stand this anymore. We (South Africans) are paying for them to get healthcare while citizens suffer,' said Nortje while standing outside the Addington Hospital. Also Read: Seven passport fraud suspects to appear in Durban court She said, 'Our healthcare professionals are tired and overwhelmed with the amount of work that they have to do at this facility on a daily basis. When you look at the statistics, it show that 95% of the people visiting Addington Hospital are foreigners so that is why we are here today. All we are saying is that take your children and yourselves to a private hospital because you have the medical assistance that is required there. Stop taking the beds and medication that is rightfully there for our South African citizens and not you as a foreigner.' While the Berea Mail was outside the clinic, we observed identity documents (ID) of every person being checked. A few people were turned away, while hospital security remained behind the gates. Sithobile Simelane, who frequents the clinic, said the queues were not as heavy today. 'It was a good experience, it was fast today' said Simelane. 'I normally sit in the queue from 09:00 to 13:00 but today I was in and out within two hours.' A suspected foreign national who tried to argue his way in, was turned away by the group, which demanded his ID. Xulu said, 'This is not the end, it's the start. We will be here every day if we need to be, until the point has been made. South Africa is not a banana republic, we are here fighting for it. This campaign will soon be throughout the province, nationally. Our presence made a difference here today.' For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
‘South Africans first': March and March blocks access to Addington Clinic, checks IDs at gate
FOREIGN nationals and those who could not prove that they are South African were turned away at the gates of Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic today as members of the March and March movement manned the entry to the government facility, demanding priority healthcare for citizens. 'We are not xenophobic, we just want South Africans to be put first in the queue for services. We are fighting for our nation and citizens. Those who cannot stand up for themselves,' said March and March deputy chairperson, Lindani Xulu. The members of March and March were at the gates of the hospital from 06:00 and vowed to stay until late. Its chairperson, Teresa Nortje, said that the aim is to enforce the laws of South Africa which are being 'flouted by foreign nationals' who come to the clinic. 'We are enforcing Section 17 of the South African Constitution, where it stipulates that when you want to use the clinic, you need to be a South African citizen and a valid taxpayer,' said Nortje. She said Addington Hospital Gateway Clinic and RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth were selected by the organisation as the start of this campaign because they are hotspots for foreign nationals. 'We are taking a stand here today, and letting foreign nationals know, that we are tired and cannot stand this anymore. We (South Africans) are paying for them to get healthcare while citizens suffer,' said Nortje while standing outside the Addington Hospital. Also Read: Seven passport fraud suspects to appear in Durban court She said, 'Our healthcare professionals are tired and overwhelmed with the amount of work that they have to do at this facility on a daily basis. When you look at the statistics, it show that 95% of the people visiting Addington Hospital are foreigners so that is why we are here today. All we are saying is that take your children and yourselves to a private hospital because you have the medical assistance that is required there. Stop taking the beds and medication that is rightfully there for our South African citizens and not you as a foreigner.' While the Berea Mail was outside the clinic, we observed identity documents (ID) of every person being checked. A few people were turned away, while hospital security remained behind the gates. Sithobile Simelane, who frequents the clinic, said the queues were not as heavy today. 'It was a good experience, it was fast today' said Simelane. 'I normally sit in the queue from 09:00 to 13:00 but today I was in and out within two hours.' A suspected foreign national who tried to argue his way in, was turned away by the group, which demanded his ID. Xulu said, 'This is not the end, it's the start. We will be here every day if we need to be, until the point has been made. South Africa is not a banana republic, we are here fighting for it. This campaign will soon be throughout the province, nationally. Our presence made a difference here today. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
