After eight years of struggling without a local healthcare facility, the Sicelo community in Midvaal, Sedibeng, now has a new primary healthcare clinic.
The facility was officially opened by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, this morning 30 January. The new Sicelo Clinic replaces the old facility, which was torched by residents in 2017 during a protest.
At the time, the clinic was serving approximately 7 631 residents, but since its destruction, the community has grown to over 11 000 people, many of whom were forced to travel long distances to access healthcare at Midvaal Community Day Care (Midvaal CDC).
This often resulted in missed appointments, overcrowding at Midvaal CDC, and increased health risks. The clinic was made possible through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health, South 32 and the SA Medical & EducationFoundation.
Speaking at the opening, MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko urged the community to protect the clinic, emphasising the consequences of destroying public infrastructure.”This clinic is for you, the people of Sicelo. Please take care of it and never allow it to be damaged or destroyed again. No matter how frustrated you become, do not burn, or vandalize your own facilities, because rebuilding is not always guaranteed. This time, you were fortunate to receive support, but next time, resources may not be available,” said MEC Nkomo Ralehoko.
Councillor Tumelo Mokhomo a community leader in Ward 10 where the clinic is located echoed the MEC’s sentiments and pleaded with the community to treasure the facility. “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 opening of the clinic not only restores access to healthcare but also improves community safety. Nico Smith, Site Manager at South 32, highlighted the additional benefits of the 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.”
Smith highlighted.The Sicelo Clinic will offer a wide range of primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health, chronic disease management, mental health services, cervical cancer screening, immunizations, school health programs, and allied health services.
The MEC also encouraged healthcare workers at the clinic to provide the best possible service to the community and align with the department’s “I Serve with a Smile” campaign.When government and private sector partners join forces, communities benefit from sustainable and high-quality facilities that would otherwise take years to materialize. The Gauteng Department of Health remains committed to fostering such collaborations to enhance access to healthcare for all residents.
