WATCH: Health MEC applauds former mayor for Mtubatuba’s ‘mini hospital

KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has applauded former Mtubatuba mayor Thobelani Verus Ngcamphalala for his tireless and selfless efforts to ensure a local hospital is eventually constructed.

The MEC was speaking at Friday’s sod-turning ceremony in Mtubatuba for the Mtubatuba Community Health Centre (CHC) or ‘mini-hospital’.

The ceremony was also attended by KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi, uMkhanyakude Mayor Siphile Mdaka and Mtubatuba Mayor Mxolisi Mthethwa.

Simelane said when Ngcamphalala went into the mayoral office, he immediately applied pressure on her to build a hospital in Mtubatuba, and to adequately capacitate KwaMsane Clinic.

The MEC said it was Ngcamphalala’s pressure and efforts to secure land which has culminated in Friday’s ceremony.

“We are happy to have leaders like him because they work for the people and care for the people,” said Simelane.

The MEC added that it was the former mayor’s pointing out that Mtubatuba communities had to either travel 40km to Hlabisa Hospital or 60km to Richards Bay to reach the nearest hospitals.

Simelane said other challenges with travelling by ambulance to Hlabisa Hospital include wild game like elephants that at times block the road.

“That is what also showed us the importance of building a mini hospital in Mtubatuba,” said the MEC.

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