PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT NOTES PROGRESS AT ZEERUST CLINIC, RAISES CONCERNS OVER NTSWELETSOKU HEALTH POST AND STALLED MOTSWEDI CHC PROJECT

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, led by the Chairperson Hon. Karabo Tebogo Magagane and accompanied by Hon. Jeanette Komane, today commenced its Oversight Week programme in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District with visits to the Zeerust Town Clinic, Ntsweletsoku Health Post and the construction site of the Motswedi Community Health Centre in the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. The oversight programme, which runs from 06 to 09 October 2026, seeks to assess the state of healthcare facilities, progress in addressing previously identified challenges and interventions by the North West Department of Health to improve access to healthcare services.

At the Zeerust Town Clinic, the Committee noted progress since its previous oversight visit in 2024, when inadequate space at the old facility was among the challenges identified. The clinic has since relocated to a more spacious building, providing improved working space for healthcare personnel and patients. The 8-hour facility provides comprehensive primary healthcare services to Zeerust and surrounding communities. The Committee further noted improvements in the facility’s Ideal Clinic status, which progressed from Gold in 2024 to Platinum in 2025, while patient waiting times were reported to be within the prescribed national standard. Challenges raised included staff shortages and the need for additional support personnel. Departmental officials also committed to strengthening security measures at healthcare facilities, including Zeerust Town Clinic, to safeguard healthcare workers and patients.

At the Ntsweletsoku Health Post, the Committee expressed concern over increasing pressure on a facility that was initially established to provide limited health services but has progressively had to respond to growing demand for comprehensive primary healthcare services. Mr S.P. Tau, Primary Health Care Manager in Ramotshere Moiloa, informed the Committee that the population in the area had grown significantly since the establishment of the health post, resulting in increased demand for healthcare services. The Committee heard that the facility operates with limited personnel, with a Professional Nurse effectively carrying the dual responsibility of providing clinical services while managing the health post. Limited space and inadequate support personnel remain additional challenges.

The Department indicated that the premises were not originally designed to accommodate the current level of demand and that discussions around securing suitable land and relocating the facility to a more appropriate site have taken place. The Committee further raised concerns about access to healthcare for residents of surrounding and outlying communities where public transport is limited or unavailable. Members emphasized that healthcare planning should consider population growth, patient volumes, and the practical ability of communities to access facilities, in addition to geographical distance. At the Motswedi Community Health Centre construction site, the Committee expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completing the facility, noting that there has been no construction activity at the site for approximately two years.

During an inspection of the site, the Committee observed the incomplete state of the facility and raised concerns about the protection of the infrastructure from theft of on-site material and further deterioration while construction remains suspended. The Committee was informed that R27 million has already been spent on the project. Hon. Magagane questioned the expenditure against the actual progress achieved on site and sought clarity on how the project had been monitored before the Department decided to terminate the contractor’s appointment. Departmental officials explained that the contract had been terminated and that the contractor subsequently challenged the termination, resulting in an ongoing contractual dispute which has affected further progress on the project.

Hon. Komane further questioned the continued expenditure on security services at the stalled construction site and raised concerns about whether the current security arrangements were adequate to safeguard the infrastructure and equipment at the facility. The Committee expressed concern that the prolonged delay has financial implications for the Department while communities continue to wait for a facility intended to improve access to healthcare services in the area. The Committee also raised concerns about the suitability of the construction site, citing its proximity to a stream and the soil conditions, which could affect the long-term stability of the facility and potentially pose safety risks to staff and patients. Members further expressed concern about the poor condition of roads leading to the site, which could make the facility difficult to access once operational.

The Committee welcomed the progress recorded at Zeerust Town Clinic, while emphasizing that the service pressures at Ntsweletsoku Health Post and the prolonged delays at the Motswedi Community Health Centre require urgent intervention. It stressed the need for the Department to ensure that communities have access to adequate healthcare services, and that public resources and infrastructure are effectively managed and safeguarded. The Committee called on the Department to account for expenditure already incurred on the Motswedi project, ensure that existing infrastructure is adequately protected and provide a clear plan on how the project will be taken forward. Departmental officials undertook to provide a comprehensive response on measures to remedy the situation, while the Committee requested a detailed report on the project by Wednesday next week, including outstanding matters and the way forward towards completion of the facility.

The Portfolio Committee will continue its Oversight Week programme across health and social development facilities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District until Friday, 09 October 2026.

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