Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, who was admitted to Cape Town’s Gatesville Medical Centre last week after a heart attack, was transferred to Two Military Hospital on Sunday, his office said.
Surgeon General Vijay Ramlakan recommended that Lekota, who is also the national chairperson of the African National Congress, be transferred to Cape Town’s Two Military Hospital as ”his condition allows” it, said Lekota’s spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi.
He said there were no risks to the minister, who ”wants to go home”.
”The minister is 100% fine. He wants to go home. He wants to rest,” Mkhwanazi said at about 7pm, adding that Lekota was transferred to Two Military Hospital ”two hours ago”.
Earlier on Sunday, ANC Western Cape chairperson James Ngculu said Lekota was in high spirits when an ANC delegation visited him at the Gatesville Medical Centre.
”He is very good, he is in high spirits and looks very well,” said Ngculu after the visit.
Last week on Thursday, Lekota was rushed to the medical centre in Athlone ”due to a medical condition that needed urgent intervention”, Mkhwanazi said then.
Ramlakan has since confirmed that Lekota had suffered a heart attack.
The small group that visited Lekota on Sunday included Mcebisi Skwatsha, the provincial secretary.
”He is out of danger,” said Ngculu.
Ramlakan said that he would advise President Thabo Mbeki that the minister required at least three weeks rest.
This would also exclude Lekota from a crucial ANC national executive committee meeting next weekend.
An acting minister would not be appointed for now.
”Through his office the minister is able and capable to do what is required,” said Mkhwanazi.
The ANC delegation also visited Tony Yengeni, former chief whip of the party, who will appeal the dismissal of his appeal against a fraud conviction and four-year sentence.
”He’s cheerful and looking forward to his appeal,” Ngculu said.
The Pretoria High Court on Friday found that Yengeni had been correctly convicted of defrauding Parliament by failing to disclose a near-50% discount on a 4×4 Mercedes Benz from a company involved in a controversial arms deal. – Sapa