On the Couch with Dr Imran Keeka

From healthcare to education, the Democratic Alliance’s Dr Imran Keeka’s passion for his job is unwavering. A family man, who tries to separate politics and leisure, he remains caught up in his drive to strive for a better South Africa. And….a succulent medium to well steak with a good espresso helps him unwind

Tabloid (T):
From healthcare to education, how is that transition going to be like for you. Say the name Dr Keeka, and you remain associated with healthcare because of the work that you did.



Dr Imran Keeka (IK):
In politics, there are leadership decisions that we abide by. Being appointed as the health spokesperson was a leadership decision in as much as is my appointment - by my caucus leadership - to education. My job and responsibility is to do the best I can to serve every South African. A big part of my job is to make sure that the provincial executive is held accountable.

The executive and the governing party cannot make promises and commitments and then renege on them. In holding the executive to account we will point out where they are failing but it is equally important to work to find solutions. Whether they listen is another matter entirely. My work done in health is now in the capable hands of one of my colleagues who will only do more than I did. I take over from him on education and will dedicate my time to making sure education works and works well.

T: What were some of your highlights during your time in office as the provincial spokesperson?
IK: Serving on any portfolio requires as a must, dedication, passion and a relentless, drive to make sure the job gets done. This cannot happen around a boardroom table. I believe in the “go see for yourself” approach. This gave me the opportunity to visit many of the 810 service sites in healthcare across KZN over the last five years.

The challenge in education is greater. We have around 6000 schools in KZN so there is much work that lies ahead. Together with my leadership, we tackled some of the major issues in KZN health. All of those issues still persist albeit with improvements. This includes the oncology crisis that saw some 530 people die while waiting for treatment and thousands more that are unaccounted for, the forensic pathology crisis, the medicine stock out crisis and so many other critical issues. The best part of being in health was to receive the multitudes of calls and the various interactions daily. The reward was working hard and to see them resolved where possible. I recall discovering that there were some 8000 patients waiting for cataract surgery [many are still waiting].

T: You are a doctor by profession, specialising in Chinese ancient medicine. Why did you choose this as opposed to being a “conventional” general practitioner?
IK: This is long and winding story that concludes with the joys of practicing -when I have time - an area of healing that is massively rewarding both from a professional point of view and for the patient. I have a special interest in what is called integrative oncology using Chinese medicine.I also have the great privilege, through this profession, to serve on a national structure as a professional board member at the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. I am one of two representatives for Chinese medicine on the board.

T: How did you enter politics and when?
IK: For those who know me, I guess the spark was always there. I caused some trouble in high school student politics when I was a medical student abroad. I continue to serve on the executive of the Newcastle Muslim Community as well as their education committee, the latter for some 15 years. I joined the DA in 2010. Prior to that I supported the ANC when voting. The Damascus moment for me - so to speak - was when I was standing in the ballot box in 2009. I could not bring myself to vote for the ANC any longer. I didn't want to vote for the IFP and, at the time refused to vote for the DA - so I spoilt the ballot. Through a friend who knew my political views and endures, even today my sometimes punishing political banter, I met MP Alf Lees whose time and wisdom led me to signing up DA membership. In hindsight, this is probably one of best decisions I have ever made.

T: It seems that as much as you spoke about the bad delivery of healthcare in KZN, was the government listening? Have you seen any improvements?
IK: This is a question for them to answer. I did what I had to and will continue to do the same to make sure that the executive is held to account and that every citizen is better off after interacting with me or my colleagues. There was a massive lack of political leadership in health and there still is. On another front, I am hoping that the new MEC of education is not hostile, arrogant and deaf to the needs of the people in comparison to what we had to deal with in the last term. There are still mountains and hills to conquer.

T: How is the education sector going to be any different for you to deal with?
IK: The principles of holding the executive to account are not portfolio specific. My colleagues and I will use all means available to us within the Legislature, the legal system and even Chapter 9 institutions -if we must - according to the need. The media plays a massive oversight role over the affairs of government and it is commonplace for us to make public the workings of government. Basic Education has several challenges and we have a responsibility to ensure that we give strict consideration to producing quality above quantity.

Notwithstanding, quantity in terms of seeing through to Grade 12 all those that are in Grade 1 today cannot be ignored as being equally important. Corruption in education is evidently rife and the crooks must be brought to book. I am committed to act without fear or favour to make sure this happens to the best of my ability.

T: Is politics all talk and no action?
IK: Depends who you ask this question to. If you ask those who are disillusioned by the affairs of all that is going on around us, they will say “yes”. I am of the view that there is hope and that we all have a responsibility to ensure that South Africa becomes a better place for all of us. Hope must lie in change and while many passed up the opportunity most recently to use their vote to effect this change, there is another opportunity and next time- apathy or not - go out there and make sure you hire politicians with your vote who will be all action and not just talk. We get the government we vote for and we will get a government even if we don't vote.

T: What book are you presently reading?
IK: With the new portfolio assigned to me, I have to pick up the NDP [National Development Plan], the PGDP [Provincial Growth and Development Plan] and the norms and standards in education to start with. I found my copy of "The Art of War". It sits on my desk staring at me and really does deserve a re-read. And so it shall be.

T: Who is the politician, nationally and internationally, that you admire past or present?
IK: Would it be too much of a cliché

if I said Nelson Mandela? The best of politicians are those who are brutally honest, lead with integrity, who are beyond reproach, who are not a populist for short term gain, who abandon strongman politics at all levels and who are committed to the people to such a point, that only being in their service matters when they wake up in the morning. Of the leaders of the past and given my faith and religious convictions, I am full of admiration for those who immediately followed the demise of the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him]. I am also
a dedicated member of the DA and my present day leadership is most admirable -say what you want. I say this without the need to and without prejudice or obligation.

T: Where do you see South Africa in the next 20 years?
IK: South Africans must understand that urgent change is needed otherwise there will be nothing left to govern. This "new dawn" nonsense was just sweet election talk that swept some off their feet. Look at the realities of the "morning after". If the levels of greed, desire, the need to continue to divide us based on the colour of our skin and opportunism prevails - as the norm is at various levels of leadership - and there is no indication of it being cured - what hope can there be?If we do not change those that perpetuate this and we do not change them fast, you ask yourself where we will be in 20 years?

T: Favourite sport?
IK: The big question is: “Is hunting a sport?” While I have not found time in many years, a long walk in the bush, the peace and quiet cannot be beaten.

T: Favourite food?
IK: Number one: A fine cut of steak and I will be punished by some for saying medium to well.
Second: Baked beans. Oh and a good espresso. Anyone who knows me will know how serious this espresso topic is.

T: Best holiday or place travelled to?
IK: For those who have been on pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah or what some may refer to as a minor pilgrimage (Umrah), you will know that there is no better place to be as well as the strong desire to visit there again and again. I would love to travel through more of our vast continent one day.

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