Health Minister Urges Operation Dudula to Respect the Law in Healthcare Access
Health
Aug 13, 2025
R120 Million Hospital Upgrade Scandal: "Protests Forced Fund Reallocation" – But At What Cost?
By Globalza
Koster Hospital’s crumbling infrastructure remains unfixed after community demonstrations diverted critical renovation money
Department Claims Compliance Amid Controversy
North West Health Department spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane has responded to the Public Servants Association’s (PSA) safety allegations at Koster Hospital, asserting that the facility holds valid occupational health and safety (OHS) certification.
"The hospital was the first to receive OHS certification in the province," Lekgethwane stated, while acknowledging:
- Peeling walls and roofs needing replacement
- Aging infrastructure requiring urgent refurbishment
- Community protests that delayed a R120 million renovation plan
Budget Reallocation Blamed for Delays
Key revelations from the interview:
- Lost Funding: R120 million initially allocated for 2023/24 refurbishment was redirected after community protests demanding a new hospital.
- New Timeline: Phase 1 renovations now planned for 2025/26 financial year (late 2025 at earliest).
- Consultant Appointed: Assessment completed, with priority areas identified for repairs.
"We couldn’t let funds lapse to Treasury," Lekgethwane defended, citing legal obligations to avoid underspending
Certification vs. Reality
The spokesperson drew a distinction between compliance and ideal conditions:
- Certification: Meets "minimum requirements for occupancy" per Labour Department inspectors.
- Admitted Deficiencies: "We agree the roof needs replacement... but day-to-day maintenance continues."
This contradicts PSA’s reports of active hazards like exposed wiring and falling ceilings.
PSA vs. Department: Clashing Narratives
PSA Claims Department Response
Falling ceilings pose immediate danger = OHS certification obtained
No inspectorate action taken = Labour Department conducted inspections Urgent repairs needed = Refurbishment planned for 2025/26
Lekgethwane accused the PSA of omitting context: "They didn’t mention community protests that caused delays."
What’s Next?
- MEC Visit: Planned but unconfirmed date.
- Community Engagement: Ongoing to prevent further disruptions.
- Media Scrutiny: Calls to verify Labour Department’s compliance findings.
"We’re not waiting for collapse to act," Lekgethwane insisted, while failing to provide interim safety measures for staff and patients.
