Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and Setswana by Kagiso Mangwejane
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has formally written to the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, demanding a full investigation and immediate intervention regarding the state of healthcare services at Bophelong Hospital in the North West province. (See letter here.)
Patients have been admitted for extended periods, some for over a month, without receiving the critical surgical procedures urgently required. Patients admitted with fractures are being subjected to repeated surgical postponements without proper consultation or reasonable explanation.
In one instance, surgery was postponed five consecutive times, with the latest cancellation occurring on 23 May 2025. Like many others, patients have to fast from 22h00 the previous night in preparation for the procedure, only to be informed on the morning of the surgery about the cancellation due to a shortage of available nurses for the theatre.
This is not an isolated case. Several patients have shared similar ordeals. Some have been discharged without being operated on and told they will only be called back once the theatre becomes available—an alarming practice that poses a serious risk to their health and recovery.
This situation is not only emotionally distressing but also medically dangerous. Patients are suffering unnecessarily while their conditions worsen. It is clear that Bophelong Hospital is struggling with severe staff shortages, poor planning, and a breakdown of internal systems. This points to a broader crisis in our provincial healthcare system—one that is failing the very people it is meant to serve.
The DA in the North West is calling for urgent action. We will also engage with Hendriette Huyssteen, the DA’s Provincial Spokesperson on Health, to urgently conduct an oversight visit to Bophelong Hospital.
Our communities deserve better. The health and dignity of our people cannot be compromised any longer.