Honourable Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi,

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you in earnest desperation as the granddaughter of a patient who has been missing under the care of your Department for over ten years.

On 20 May 2015, my grandfather, Mr. Thomas Makhlona Ngwenya, was handed over by ambulance paramedics at Standerton Hospital in Mpumalanga, yet he disappeared without explanation or accountability. Despite years of pleading with the hospital, the Department of Health, and related ambulance services, our family has been met with neglect, evasive responses, and no meaningful investigation or closure.

We formally lodged our complaint in May 2025, expecting transparent and timely investigations as mandated. Over 70 days later, no substantial response has been provided, and the trauma inflicted upon our family continues unabated. The principles of Batho Pele, visibly displayed throughout public health facilities, appear to have been ignored in this case.

We humbly request your urgent intervention to:

- Oversee and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the disappearance of Mr. Ngwenya.
- Facilitate immediate access to all investigation documentation, reports, and correspondence relevant to this case.
- Address the systemic failures in patient care, ambulance service accountability, and hospital governance highlighted by our ordeal.
- Champion the rights and dignity of vulnerable patients and their families who depend on your leadership for justice and care.

This matter is not only personal but emblematic of broader challenges facing South Africa’s public health system. We hope your respected office can champion the pursuit of truth, accountability, and compassion for families like ours.

Thank you for your consideration and support. We look forward to your prompt response and assistance.

Kind regards,