Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development conducted an unannounced Oversight visit at Braklaagte Clinic and Legae la Bana in Ramotshere Moilwa Local Municipality in Ngaka Modiri Molema District.

The Chairperson of the Committee Hon. Gavin Edwards indicated the program is aimed at strengthening oversight and public participation also to promote accountability and transparency in government. During the program, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) will interact with different provincial departments and their MECs; Mayors, members of the Municipal Public Accounts Committees.

The committee received a presentation from the clinic Manager, Ms. Amina Matlhapeng, who said the clinic is functioning well even though there are minor challenges that are affecting the operation. “The structure of the clinic is too small, whereby the emergency room and the maternity ward share the same space” said Ms. Matlhapeng.

She further stated that there is a shortage of nursing staff in the clinic due to the fact that the area is too rural and nurses move to urban areas.

Hon. Edwards said the committee will meet with the Department of Health to discuss the issue of the structure and to also check if the Department is planning to renovate the clinic.

The committee continued to Legae la Bana in Zeerust that is established to look after abandoned babies, orphans and abused children. At the centre, the committee met with Mr. Molefi Jacobs who is the social worker. Mr. Jacobs told the committee that the centre is currently accommodating 20 kids transferred to the centre through court orders and Department of Social Welfare.

He further indicated that some of the kids are waiting for completion of adoption process while others are from the neighbouring countries waiting to be returned to their home countries.

Mr. Jacobs told the committee that the centre depends on the funds received from the Department of Social Development and few donations from nearby grocery stores. He told the committee that the funds are not enough as they should ensure that the kids are enrolled in schools, provide school transport and attend to other operational requirements of the centre.

The committee will meet with the department to check if there are any intentions of increasing funds allocated to children’s homes in the province.

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