The minister and her former director-general Ayanda Ntsaluba were sentenced by the labour court this week to 15 days in jail if they failed to comply within 60 days with an order made two years ago to reinstate an employee.

Christel Bruckner had been working for the department for 19 years when she was suspended as deputy director of medicines registration on the grounds that she no longer fitted into the new structure.

De Lille said on Friday the health minister should be given 15 days of solitary confinement during which she may realise "the importance of treatment for HIV/Aids sufferers".

The MP said: "As the country's minister of health, Tshabalala- Msimang has proven wholly incapable of stemming the tide of 700 deaths of Aids-related illnesses that occur daily in South Africa.

"The court should continue to deal fairly with Tshabalala Msimang, as we are all equal before the law and the court should make no exception for her just because she is minister of health," said De Lille.

The minister has indicated she and her former DG will appeal against the conviction.