Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Richard van Wyk and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Kopanong Local Municipality will write to the MEC of Health in the province to address the lack of security at the Reddersburg Clinic in the Free State. We are calling for immediate intervention to protect patients, staff, and public resources, and to ensure that effective security measures are implemented without delay.
We are deeply concerned that the Reddersburg Clinic has reportedly been broken into on at least two occasions, yet the Department of Health has not implemented any effective security measures. This failure has left the facility vulnerable and the community increasingly anxious about their safety when accessing essential healthcare services.
The lack of proper security is not a minor administrative oversight; it has serious consequences. When clinics are repeatedly targeted, vital medical equipment and supplies are at risk of theft or damage, disrupting healthcare services and placing additional strain on an already struggling system.
This undermines the reliability of basic services, as residents may arrive at the clinic only to find that essential resources are unavailable. Furthermore, a lack of security exposes healthcare workers and patients to potential harm, particularly during after-hours services, increasing fear and discouraging residents from seeking necessary medical care.
Concerns extend beyond Reddersburg, with reports that Edenburg Clinic relies on minimal and inconsistent security arrangements, raising further questions about the Department’s commitment to safeguarding public health facilities.
This pattern of neglect reflects broader governance failures, where poor planning, lack of accountability, and ineffective oversight allow critical infrastructure to deteriorate. In an environment where safety is compromised, criminal elements are emboldened, further destabilising communities and eroding trust in government institutions.
While the DA currently serves in opposition in Kopanong, we will use every available oversight mechanism to hold the Department accountable.
We will also push for proper budgeting, transparent procurement processes, and regular monitoring to ensure that security services are not only appointed but are effective and sustained.
When entrusted with governance, the DA will prioritise the protection of public facilities by ensuring that all clinics have adequate, professionally managed security. By safeguarding healthcare infrastructure, we protect reliable service delivery, improve community safety, and ensure that residents can access care with dignity and confidence.
The DA will not stand by while essential services are compromised. Communities deserve safe, functional clinics, and we will continue to fight for accountability and action.