MIDVAAL. – The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has officially opened the Sicelo Clinic in Meyerton.
The clinic promises to be a beacon of hope for the community of Sicelo who have had to travel long distances to access health facilities after the clinic which served over 7 000 people, was burned during a community protest in 2017.
Seeing the urgency of bringing health services to the community of Sicelo with a population of 11000, the Midvaal Local Municipality donated the piece of land where South32 working together with the Gauteng Department of Health and the SAME Foundation would rebuild the clinic.
South32’s Head of External Affairs Africa Noleen Dube said the project was initiated as an answer to a call for quality health services from the Sicelo community. Dube said that such projects leave a lasting legacy for communities.
Nico Smith, Site Manager Metalloys South 32 said that their aim is to make a difference in the community.
“I was told that accidents on the R59 result from people crossing to access health services in town. If this facility will mitigate this then we will be satisfied.”
Smith highlighted that South32 continues to spend millions on projects that make a difference in society, including health, education, and social services.
During his delivery, Mayor Peter Teixeira thanked all the stakeholders for making the project a success and ensuring that the community of Sicelo and surrounding areas have adequate health services.
Teixeira said the project’s success further highlights the importance of Public-Private partnerships.
Worried that history may repeat itself, Teixeira warned members of the community against taking out their frustrations on essential infrastructure as they are the ones who suffer the consequences thereof.
“This clinic does not belong to any of the stakeholders that built it, but it belongs to you. I urge you to look after it and protect it. If you ever decide to burn down this clinic, note that it will not get rebuilt again.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko, during her keynote address, reiterated the words of Texeira, urging community members to safeguard facilities built for their benefit.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said that Development in Sicelo is important so that people do not see two different worlds in a single municipality. She expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the projects.
The clinic offers maternal, child, chronic, and allied services.
