Lutfo on three-week SICK leave

His absence from work has left many people with questions as to what is his ailment. For the past three weeks, the minister is walking with the aid of crutches and his leg has been in plaster.

Speaking to the Times SUNDAY on Thursday, Dlamini said he was currently absent from work because of the sprain in the leg.

He was aware and concerned that his absence from work had sparked unfounded rumours emanating from the sickness that has kept him away from his workstation.

The minister said he had received several calls from people who ask him to confirm that he allegedly has diabetes. Diabetes is the same sickness which killed Senator Chief Malamulela Mag-agula. Magagula died in May a few months after he allegedly refused to have his leg amputated when doctors suggested that alternative to his then worsening diabetic condition.

"On Wednesday I received a call from someone who said he has gathered information that I am suffering from diabetes which is why my leg is in plaster. I am not suffering from diabetes and people should know that. There are many who are teasing," he said.

He said before he went to Geneva, Switzerland he fell while working in a garden at his home in Mdzimba.

"I went to hospital and they gave me a spray which they said I must apply on the affected leg. I never thought the injury would be complicated, so after spraying I continued with my normal duties," he said. The minister said the pain intensified a few days after he applied the spray. This forced him to buy a crutch to help him walk.

"I went to Geneva and when I was still in that country the pain became severe. When I came back to the country, I went for a check up at Medisun Clinic where they had it X-rayed," he said.

He said doctors at Medisun told him his leg has been fractured and recommended that a plaster be put on the foot."The doctor gave me a sick-note for three weeks," he said.

Meanwhile, Percy Simelane, Government Spokesperson, said he saw the minister walking on crutches but did not think his injury was severe.

He said matters involving ailments were strictly discussed at family level.

"A sick government employee submits his or her sick note to the supervisor. Even in this case, minister Dlamini would do the same. I wish him a speedy recovery," he said.

Simelane explained further that a civil servant can be given a sick leave of up to six months.

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