The Gauteng Department of Health led the reopening ceremony of the Sicelo Clinic in Sedibeng on Thursday after it was torched by residents during a protest in 2017.
Locals experienced an eight-year struggle of accessing a healthcare facility, because they were forced to travel a long distance to the Midvaal Community Day Care (CDC) for healthcare services.
The previous clinic used to render healthcare services to approximately 7631 community members.
Due to a growing population of 11 000, people used to seek healthcare services at the Midvaal CDC, which often resulted in patients missing appointments, overcrowding, and increased health risks.
The clinic was made possible through a partnership between the provincial health ministry, South 32, and the SA Medical & Education Foundation.
The new clinic offers school health programmes, mental health, cervical cancer screening, maternal and child health, and allied health services, among others.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the old gutted clinic was a stark reminder of public infrastructure being destroyed from the community’s frustration.
Hence, she urged the people of Sicelo to refrain from destroying infrastructure when frustrated with service delivery issues.
“While anger is valid, we must learn to channel it into building and not destroying our public amenities. The opening of this beautiful new facility must be seen as a second chance.
“We must vow to the community to protect this precious infrastructure as a shared resource for generations to come. Let us embrace it as a symbol of hope, a symbol of growth, and a community pride,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The clinic is a milestone towards achieving equitable healthcare for all local residents.
A Ward 10 councillor, Tumelo Mokhomo, echoed the MEC’s words by imploring residents to treasure their healthcare institution.
“Our cooperation as the community will ensure that this clinic continues to serve us for many more years. We are grateful that finally the clinic is opened,” said Mokhomo.
The clinic not only restores access to healthcare, but it also improves community safety.
Site manager at South 32, Nico Smith, highlighted that residents are set to enjoy additional benefits of the rebuilt clinic.
"This facility will not only improve healthcare access, but it will also reduce the number of accidents on the R59. Many community members were forced to cross the busy highway to access Midvaal CDC, putting their lives at risk. With the Sicelo Clinic now open, those dangerous trips will no longer be necessary,“ said Smith.
Nkomo-Ralehoko further encouraged the people of Sicelo to take care of their health, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Star