South Africa : Two more Zimbabweans die of cholera in SA

By Sydney Masinga & Frans van der Merwe

Musina - Two more Zimbabweans have died in Musina, bringing the number of people who have died of cholera in South Africa to six.

Limpopo health spokesperson Phuti Seloba said since the middle of November, 399 cases of cholera had been recorded in the province, 101 of which were admitted to hospital.

"Only two of the six cholera fatalities within our borders were South Africans, while the other four were Zimbabweans who crossed the border looking for help in Musina," he said.

He said five of the victims died in Limpopo while one, a truck driver, died in KwaZulu-Natal after travelling from Zimbabwe.

Musina municipal spokesperson Wilson Dzebu said the town's water remained safe to drink. He said it was being tested twice a day and that no cholera had been detected.

"We continue to reassure residents of Musina that the town's water is totally safe and that none of the incidents of cholera can be connected to the municipal water supply," he said.

Mr Seloba said a team of highly trained professional nursing staff was working at the re-hydration tents that have been set up for cholera patients in Musina.

The World Health Organisation recently reported that more than 11 000 cases of cholera have been reported in Zimbabwe since August, while more than 425 people have died there.

Most Zimbabweans interviewed were thankful for the treatment they have received in South Africa.

"It is good to be here in South Africa, where there is medicine and care," said Baron Mbedzi, a patient from Harare.

Rosina Purisa, who is waiting for her asylum papers at the Musina show grounds, where Zimbabwean refugees are camping, said it was painful to see her country collapse.

"Those who can afford it can come here to South Africa for treatment and jobs, but those without money are dying," she said.

Prominent businessman and chairperson of the Musina Chamber of Commerce, Jason Rana, said that while locals were afraid of contracting the disease, they needed to be compassionate.

"We realise they are in dire straights there in Zimbabwe and if they are left there they will die. The entire health care system of that country has collapsed, so we must treat them with the necessary compassion," he said.

He said Zimbabweans were also largely responsible for keeping the local economy going because they did most of their shopping in Musina.

All major international agencies such as the Red Cross, Gift of Givers, Save the Children, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) are also in Musina to provide assistance and support. - BuaNews