Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr. Marié la Cock and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Joseph Mbele. See attached pictures here, here, and here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe has questioned the Provincial Department of Health about ongoing concerns over infrastructure failures, severe staff shortages, a lack of resources, and unsafe working conditions that continue to affect both patients and healthcare workers at Parys Clinic.
Sasol Mine invested approximately R12.5 million into the construction and equipping of the clinic, which was officially handed over to the Department of Health in June 2022. Despite this significant investment, the clinic is currently experiencing major operational failures.
One of the most concerning issues is the clinic’s solar system’s complete failure.
The batteries are reportedly completely dead, with replacement costs estimated at approximately R400,000. It has been alleged that no service agreement was ever signed after the handover. The collapse of the solar system has also compromised the clinic’s security infrastructure.
It is further concerning that AfriForum is currently paying the monthly security monitoring costs to CSS at its own expense due to the lack of intervention from the responsible authorities. Community organisations should not be forced to carry responsibilities that fall within the government’s mandate.
The clinic is also reportedly operating without basic supplies such as stationery, printer cartridges, and copy paper, despite allegedly submitting orders regularly. There are no on-site rubbish bins, no permanent general workers assigned to the clinic, and cleaning services remain inadequate. The current cleaner works on a rotating COVID-19 contract between the hospital and clinic, while a volunteer reportedly assists with sweeping and garden maintenance.
Additional concerns include the alleged failure of the clinic committee to receive an official inventory list of clinic equipment despite multiple requests.
The clinic is also facing severe staff shortages and is reportedly operating with only one nurse. There have allegedly been instances where no pharmacist was available, forcing the nurse to dispense medication while simultaneously attending to patients.
Residents continue to raise complaints regarding excessive waiting times, with patients reportedly spending entire days at the clinic without receiving assistance and, in some cases, being sent home untreated due to medication shortages and lack of capacity.
We also escalated these concerns in June 2025, yet we received no meaningful feedback or intervention from the relevant authorities. The continued lack of response while conditions deteriorate further is deeply concerning.
The lack of adequate staffing, maintenance, security, and medical resources makes it impossible for healthcare workers to provide dignified, efficient care to residents.
The current situation is unacceptable and requires urgent intervention from the Department of Health and all relevant authorities. Residents deserve access to safe, functional, and properly managed healthcare facilities.