Community demands refurbishment of clinic for the elderly in eMbalenhle

Zimeleni Disabled Association led a community march on September 10, calling for the urgent refurbishment of the ageing Langverwacht Clinic, which caters to elderly residents.

They handed over memorandums to the Govan Mbeki Municipality and the Mpumalanga Department of Health during the march. Reading the memoranda, Doctor Mayisela, chairperson of the association, outlined the community’s concerns and demands.

He said the department shut down the clinic in March without consultation, leaving elderly people struggling to access healthcare.

“We demand that the department stop the process of closing this clinic, which has a long history of serving the elderly. Instead, it should invest in adequate infrastructure because the current site is too small and consists of a Wendy house with no toilets,” said Mayisela.

He added that the department must stop issuing transfer letters that force elderly patients to seek care at already congested clinics in eMbalenhle. The association demanded that the department procure a proper clinic building to protect patients from harsh weather.

“Our elderly have to sit outside in the cold during winter and rain during summer. This is abuse,” he said.

Mayisela noted that in March, the term of the old clinic committee lapsed, but the department only conducted elections at other eMbalenhle clinics, excluding Langverwacht.

He also raised concerns about fraudulent transfer letters allegedly issued without patients’ signatures, as well as the lack of running water and sanitation at the facility.

“Elderly people must walk to the eMbalenhle Mall and pay R2 to use the toilet. That is unacceptable for a health facility,” said Mayisela.

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Currently, a mobile clinic is being used at Langverwacht Clinic, but Mayisela described this as ‘an insult’ because the mobile unit also lacks sanitation faciities and running water.

“Our elders risk contracting more illnesses while attending a facility without proper sanitation,” he said.

Charles Ndlovu, representing the office of MEC Sesekane Mazini, received the memorandum on behalf of the Department of Health.
Ward 19 Clr Sibusiso Mazibuko received the second memorandum on behalf of the municipality.

They demanded that the Langverwacht Clinic be included in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The community also called on the municipality to provide water and temporary toilets as part of basic services to the facility.

The memorandum demanded that both the department and the municipality respond in 14 days.