Witrand Hospital appoints new psychiatrist

Witrand Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gopolang E. Zwide as its new psychiatrist. Zwide, a local from Tigane near Klerksdorp in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District, officially joined the hospital in September. His appointment comes at a crucial time, as access to specialized mental healthcare is limited in the region. Zwide’s decision to join Witrand was motivated by the hospital’s essential services in a province where mental healthcare is scarce.

He aims to contribute his expertise to support the community, advocate for increased research to inform policy, and attract funding to improve services. “Witrand provides essential services to numerous communities across the province, and I wanted to bring my expertise to support the community with specialist care,” he said. Zwide’s medical journey began after completing his six-year medical degree. He then pursued a specialisation in psychiatry at the University of Pretoria after finishing his internship and community service. He holds an MBChB from Walter Sisulu University and a Master’s Degree in Medicine in Psychiatry from the University of Pretoria.

Additionally, he is a fellow of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa and a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists. With extensive experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, Zwide focuses on primary mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, as well as conditions related to substance abuse and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and intellectual disabilities. His research interests include child and adolescent psychiatry, transition psychiatry, and the impact of medication nonadherence on psychiatric patients. He has published research on psychiatric genetic counselling and aims to improve mental healthcare practices.

Zwide is a strong advocate for a holistic approach to mental health that considers the biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s life. He believes that understanding a patient’s background and cultural influences is crucial for effective treatment. He emphasises the importance of evidence-based practices that take these factors into account, rather than relying solely on biological treatments. Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health is another key focus for Zwide.

He highlights that cultural and self-stigma often prevent people from seeking help. “Stigma significantly deters people from seeking treatment. We need to address these issues head-on through advocacy campaigns and public discussions to normalise mental healthcare in the same way we view other medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension.” Zwide is also aware of the challenges facing public mental health services in South Africa. According to a WHO census in 2019, there were only 850 psychiatrists actively working in South Africa, with about 80% employed in the private sector.

This leaves just 20% working in the public sector, creating a significant gap in access to care. Zwide stresses the need for more flexibility, better infrastructure, and additional resources to improve diagnosis and treatment in the public sector. “The public sector faces significant challenges, from limited staff and resources to infrastructure issues that delay proper diagnosis and treatment,” he explained. “But with sufficient support, we can make a real difference.”