Sasol fulfills its promise of building a clinic in eMba
It was the fulfillment of a promise that Sasol made to Mr Ramaphosa and the eMbalenhle community in 2014 that it would improve the state of the clinic.
eMBALENHLE – Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President and chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (Sanac) officially opened the Extension 14 Community Clinic on Saturday, 25 February.
The clinic was built by Sasol in partnership with the National Department of Health.
It was the fulfillment of a promise that Sasol made to Mr Ramaphosa and the eMbalenhle community in 2014 that it would improve the state of the clinic.
This was during Ramaphosa’s visit to eMbalenhle with the National Department of Health to launch the HIV Counselling and Testing Programme.
To upgrade the facility, Sasol through its ongoing social investment programme Ikusasa, appointed a local SMME construction company for the R9-million project.
“Core to Sasol’s commitment to sustainability is our pursuit to be a credible partner to our host communities.
“One way in which we do this, is by prioritising social investment in areas where we operate,” said Mr Bongani Nqwaba, joint president and CEO: Sasol Limited.
He said eMbalenhle Extension 14 Clinic is a physical manifestation of this commitment to their host communities and also underscores the three priority themes that Sasol has identified as part of its community development social investment focus.
“These are promoting SMME development, investing in community infrastructure and investing in community health and wellbeing.”
The facility delivers on government’s strategy aimed at improving access to basic health care to communities.
The provision of affordable and quality healthcare to communities is one of the priorities of Government.
Mr Ramaphosa said the opening of this clinic is a source of joy and pride to the people of Extension 14 and the province of Mpumalanga.
He said its reflects the shared commitment to build a compassionate society in which all have access to quality health care.
“When we first visited here in November 2014, we were shocked by the state of the clinic and by the lack of adequate infrastructure and appropriate facilities.
“We were deeply impressed, however, by the dedication of the clinic staff to tend to the needs of the community under such difficult conditions.
“It is from that visit that the partners gathered here were spurred into action.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sasol for being a trusted ally of our people in working to transform and improve the health system that we inherited from a past of neglect and deprivation.
“Side by side with our people, Sasol has sought to champion the health of this community.
“As a valued partner of social development, the company has embraced the vision of a united, just and equitable society.”
New features of the upgraded clinic include a reception and waiting area, four examination rooms, a dispensary and storeroom and a kitchen and staff rest room.
The facility also has four ablution facilities, a boardroom and two offices for the manager and senior manager, a short stay room, brand new furniture and a security guardhouse.
Deputy President Ramaphosa was joined by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Mr Gilllion Mashego, and the chief executive officer: Sasol Limited, Mr Bongani Nqwababa.
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