Health Minister Aaron Motsoaldi. (Gallo)
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Democratic Alliance (DA) have commended Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi for using a public hospital for a surgical procedure.
Motsoaledi was admitted to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday.
"The EFF approves because one of our fundamental principles and policy positions is that all elected public representatives should use public services and institutions," the organisation said in a statement.
"All public representatives in all legislatures and Parliament will use public institutions and services, particularly schools and heathcare," said the EFF.
The DA also lauded the minister and wished him a speedy recovery.
"The DA commends the minister of health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on making use of the public Steve Biko Academic Hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery from his surgical operation," the party said in a statement.
"For millions of South Africans, access to well-equipped and functional hospitals is a distant reality. It is important that our leaders show faith in the public health system, which they are responsible for overseeing, and lead by example. This is the kind of leadership that should be displayed by other Ministers on a daily basis."
Motsoaledi is likely to be off work for about a week, health ministry spokesperson Joe Maila said. – Additional reporting by Sapa