Motsoaledi Intervenes to Address Northern Cape Health Crisis Following Damning Ombud Report
Evident Makatwane 
Image Credit: Northern Cape Department of Health
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has moved to tackle critical shortcomings in Northern Cape healthcare facilities after a Health Ombud report exposed severe neglect and unsafe conditions at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH) and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH).
The report, compiled by Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena, painted a disturbing picture of systemic failures, including electricity outages that left psychiatric patients freezing in winter temperatures, chronic staff shortages, and dangerous lapses in medical care. At least three patient deaths were linked directly to these failures, two at NCMHH and one at RMSH.
Findings of the Ombud Report
The investigation revealed:
- A patient death from hypothermia after prolonged cold exposure during a power outage.
- Another death from pneumonia linked to poor living conditions.
- A stroke-related death at RMSH, worsened by inadequate medical intervention.
- Broken windows, leaking roofs, and poor maintenance creating unsafe environments.
- Health workers, including some doctors and nurses, failing to follow clinical protocols.
Minister’s Intervention
Motsoaledi, who initiated the investigation, travelled to the province to meet with Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, Finance MEC Venus Blennies-Magage, and senior health officials.
“The findings point to serious challenges in human resources, procurement processes, and adherence to clinical protocols. This is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy that promises dignified healthcare to all,” Motsoaledi said.
He also engaged with representatives from five major labour unions, DENOSA, HOSPERSA, NEHAWU, PSA, and NUPSAW to discuss the report’s findings and the road ahead.
Union representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the Ombud’s direct naming of some health workers, arguing that their members were unfairly targeted.
Motsoaledi clarified that he has no authority to overturn the Ombud’s findings. Instead, those wishing to appeal must follow the legal process, which involves the appointment of a three-member tribunal chaired by a retired judge or magistrate.
The Minister outlined immediate interventions, including:
- Hiring additional healthcare workers to ease staffing shortages.
- Procuring new beds and linen to improve patient comfort.
- Fast-tracking maintenance and repairs to hospital infrastructure.
The visit concluded with site inspections at both hospitals, giving stakeholders a first-hand view of the conditions and the urgent need to implement the Ombud’s recommendations.
This intervention comes at a time when the public’s trust in the provincial health system is strained. Civil society groups and health rights activists have long warned that mental health patients remain some of the most vulnerable in South Africa, and systemic neglect can have deadly consequences.
Motsoaledi emphasised that urgent, coordinated action is required to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
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