President Cyril Ramaphosa says criminal elements linked to the so-called construction mafia attempted to derail the construction of the new King Nyabela Hospital in Mpumalanga, while reaffirming that National Health Insurance (NHI) will be implemented despite opposition.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during the official opening of the facility in Middelburg, saying the project had faced disruptions from business forums and legal challenges during its early construction stages.
However, he said government remained resolute in ensuring the facility was completed.
“There were challenges during the early construction stages, with the so-called business forums, the construction mafia, who disrupted the work,” Ramaphosa said.
“There were also legal challenges with contractors.”
He said government would continue acting decisively against those responsible for disrupting public infrastructure projects.
“We must be clear that acts of intimidation and violence relating to the construction of public infrastructure will not be tolerated.”
“We are taking steps to root out the construction mafia because we will not tolerate them.”
Ramaphosa said hospitals, clinics, roads, dams and other public infrastructure could not be held hostage by individuals seeking to advance their own financial interests.
“We cannot stand for the construction of hospitals, clinics, roads, dams or any public infrastructure being stopped and disrupted to advance some individuals’ financial interests.”
The President officially opened the 220-bed King Nyabela Hospital, which replaces the ageing Middelburg Hospital that had served the area for more than a century.
It is named in honour of a leader of the Ndzundza-Ndebele people, who was the son of King Mabhoko.
The new facility will provide healthcare services to more than 240 000 residents in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and boasts three operating theatres, a 24-hour accident and emergency department, specialised medical wards and expanded outpatient services.
Ramaphosa praised the construction team for delivering the project on time and within budget.
“They delivered the hospital on time and on cost,” he said.
Describing the hospital as a major investment in public healthcare, Ramaphosa said it offered services comparable to those available in private and regional hospitals, including advanced diagnostic equipment, neonatal care, mental health services, rehabilitation facilities and specialist outpatient treatment.
He said comprehensive healthcare extended beyond treating illness and should support people throughout every stage of life, from maternal and child healthcare to elderly care, disease prevention and mental health services.
Ramaphosa also announced that government would build Mpumalanga’s first psychiatric hospital to strengthen healthcare services in the province.
“Mpumalanga needs a psychiatric hospital and we are going to build a psychiatric hospital here.”
The President used the occasion to reaffirm government’s commitment to implementing NHI, dismissing opposition to the policy.
“Those who are opposed to the NHI, open your eyes. NHI will happen whether you like it or not.”
He said the scheme would ensure that access to quality healthcare was no longer determined by where people lived or their ability to pay.
Ramaphosa also warned there could be no room for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure or medical services.
“There can be no space for corruption, for fraud, or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure or services.”
He said government had already made progress in recovering stolen public funds and pursuing those responsible for corruption.
“We’ve done much to tackle corruption in health. Stolen funds are being recovered, alleged perpetrators are being hunted down and prosecuted.”
Ramaphosa further appealed to healthcare workers to treat patients with dignity and respect.
“Please do not insult our people as they stand in queues.”
“Don’t make them sit for too long on the benches waiting to be treated.”
“Don’t make them wait too long for the medicines that they deserve.”
He also urged healthcare workers not to deny patients treatment during labour disputes.
“Even as workers may have disputes with management, I do not want to hear that patients are prevented from receiving proper treatment.”
Ramaphosa said the King Nyabela Hospital represented government’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare while giving practical effect to South Africans’ constitutional right to access healthcare services.
He then officially declared the hospital open.
