Thembisa protesters confront MEC for lack of service delivery
In a bold move, protesters invaded a youth event to voice their concerns about the lack of basic services they receive at the local hospital.
On June 9, chaos erupted at a youth event at Mehlareng Stadium when members of the Thembisa Community Forum (TCF) staged a demonstration inside the venue.
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TCF members descended on the stadium to seek answers from the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, about the ongoing issues with the local hospital’s lack of services.
The group had been struggling for months to raise awareness about the hospital’s struggles with staffing and resource shortages.
Despite submitting a memorandum in March to the MEC and the local council, the forum believed that no action had been taken.
Frustrated with the lack of response, the group decided to take their concerns directly to the MEC, who was scheduled to attend the event held at Mahlareng Stadium.
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The youth attending the event watched from inside as the protest unfolded.
Some seemed to be sympathetic to the group’s cause, while others were confused and frightened by the sudden intrusion.
According to the chairperson for the TCF, Lele Lefakane, forum members demand better services from their local hospital.
“Hospitals are a crucial piece of community infrastructure, providing vital healthcare services to residents.
“As such, the quality of services at hospitals is of utmost importance to the well-being of the community,” said Lefakane.
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Eventually, the MEC agreed to speak with the group to hear their concerns. She assured them that she would work with the council to find a resolution to the ongoing issues experienced.
According to Motalatale Modiba, the department’s head of communications for Gauteng, the department will engage with the forum to respond to questions about the hospital’s dearth of essential services.
“Although several issues were resolved after the submission of the memorandum, the MEC promised the forum participants that they would receive a response,” said Modiba.
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