The Bulletin News – Page 2

Sasol Highveld Photography Club: May 2026 Meeting Highlights

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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May 25, 2026

Sasol Highveld Photography Club: May 2026 Meeting Highlights

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club held a lively May meeting with members, guests and a guest judge, Jannie van Niekerk. The evening showcased 64 entries across eight categories, from Nature and Monochrome to Photojournalism and Set Subject, and offered news, recognitions and upcoming opportunities for club photographers.

Competitions and Club News

PSSA news and salon results

Best Club Competition: April results highlighted strong entries by Leon Pelser and Yolandi Geyser in senior and junior sections, respectively.
Web Competition: Members were reminded to nominate Sasol Highveld Photography as their club. Notable web competition entries included Louis van der Walt, Leon Pelser, DNE Smit, Sussa Pelser and Yolandi Geyser.
Salon Results: Several members had acceptances in recent salons. Highlights include Sussa Pelser’s acceptance in a regional digital salon and multiple acceptances by Louis van der Walt in a national salon. The club celebrated strong representation in international circuits as well.

International Success

Amour Circuit 2026: Club entries earned multiple honors across three salons — including PSA and other medals, several jury-choice e-certificates, and a total of 28 acceptances. Special congratulations to Leon Pelser for his achievements.

Upcoming Salons and Events

Members were encouraged to enter several upcoming national and international salons (including the Sandton National Digital Salon, Four Nations Competition, Kosmos Digital Salon and others). Deadlines were shown for members to plan submissions.
Photography events and opportunities for participation were highlighted, offering members chances to showcase work and earn salon acceptances.

Meeting Calendar and Set Subjects
The club’s meeting schedule and monthly set-subject themes for the year were shared to guide members’ creative efforts:

June: Time
July: Funny
August: Forms in Nature
September: Industrial
October: Mirror, mirror
November: Self-Portrait
December: Year-end AGM and braai

Members were thanked for their participation and reminded to keep personal details (like birthdays) updated on the club’s online system. The meeting closed on a celebratory note, congratulating winners and encouraging continued participation in competitions and salons.

Well done to all contributors — keep shooting, entering, and supporting one another.

The Best Junior Photographer for May is Edmund Hattingh with “Bee breakfast”

The Best Set Subject photograph for May is Louis van der Walt with “Cederberg Arch Moon Phases v2”

Here are all the COM and Gold winners for the April meeting:

Category – Nature: Birds Only

Category – Scapes

30s Tugela River 1 by Louis van der Walt

Autumn in the Drakensberg by Stian Griffin

Category – Monochrome

Whispers after the rain by Yolandi Geyser

Category – Nature

Sentinel at the Waters Edge by Yolandi Geyser

Fighting for the right by Piet Potgieter

Making an escape in the water by Lorraine Botha

Category – Pictorial

Category – Photojournalism

Category – Set Subject

Old barn under the northern lights by Edmund Hattingh

Searching for my ancestors by Piet Potgieter

SA Stamboek vereer Waldo Scheepers as Mentorteler van die Jaar

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May 14, 2026

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SA Stamboek vereer Waldo Scheepers as Mentorteler van die Jaar

Die 2026 SA Stamboek Elite-toekennings het weer verskeie waardige wenners opgelewer. Die funksie op 27 April in Bloemfontein het eer gebring aan lede en hul uitsonderlike stoete, maar ook aan telers wat op ander, unieke maniere bydra tot die bedryf. Waldo Scheepers van Trifill Wagyu is vereer as Mentorteler van die Jaar vir sy toegewyde bydrae om nuwe veeboere prakties en aktief te ondersteun sodat hulle suksesvol kan wees.

Scheepers dien as Director of Breed Improvement & Genomics vir die Wagyu Society of South Africa en bring ’n rykdom van kennis en passie vir Wagyu-telery, veral in die begeleiding van jong, opkomende boere. Hy behaal sy B.Sc. Agric. aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch in 2016 en het kort daarna sy veeboerdery-loopbaan begin. In 2017 het hy die Trifill Wagyu-stoet naby Secunda, Mpumalanga, gevestig.

Met ’n sterk wetenskaplike grondslag fokus Waldo op genetika en data-gedrewe teling—gebiede waarin Wagyu besonder uitblink. Sy werk konsentreer op die teling van funksioneel doeltreffende Wagyu-koeie wat by verskeie omgewings kan aanpas en terselfdertyd uitblink in groei- en karkassparemeters. Sedert 2020 sit hy in die Breed Improvement Committee en hy speel ’n sleutelrol in die bestuur van die toekoms van Wagyu-genetika in Suid-Afrika. Saam met sy vrou, Bianca, boer hy by Vlakspruit, hul hoofproduksieplaas naby Secunda.

Die Bulletin het met Waldo oor hierdie erkenning gesels. Hy sê: “Hierdie toekenning is nie net vir my nie, maar vir al die boere en mentors wat kennis deel en mekaar ondersteun. My doel is om wetenskap en praktyk te verbind sodat nuwe telers selfversekerd en volhoubaar kan ontwikkel.”

Die erkenning beklemtoon die belangrikheid van mentorskap en kennisdeling binne die veeboerderybedryf en vier die rol van individue soos Scheepers wat die volgende generasie telers help vorm.

Mpumalanga Department of Health still searching for over 62,000 people who need ARV treatment

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Encee van Huyssteen

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May 13, 2026

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Mpumalanga Department of Health still searching for over 62,000 people who need ARV treatment

The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the relaunch of the Tuberculosis (TB) Caucus in the Mpumalanga Legislature today, but remains deeply concerned that the Mpumalanga Department of Health (DoH) is still unable to locate tens of thousands of people who require antiretroviral (ARV) treatment.

“The DA is submiting parliamentary questions to Mpumalanga Health MEC Sasekani Manzini asking her to explain why the department has not effectively tracked and re-engaged patients who should be on ARV therapy and why it has failed to meet its own HIV and TB targets,” said Bosman Grobler: MPL – DA Spokesperson on Health: Mpumalanga Legislature

Bosman Grobler –
DA Caucus Leader Mpumalanga Legislature

In February 2025 the Mpumalanga DoH joined the national “Closing the GAP” campaign to trace people who had tested HIV-positive but were not receiving treatment and to find those who had defaulted on treatment. At that time, 134,243 patients required engagement, re-engagement or retention in care.

According to the DoH’s 2025/2026 Fourth Quarter Report, 15 months later only 72,124 (54%) of those patients had been found. That leaves 62,199 people still unaccounted for. The department has extended its deadline to trace these patients to December 2026.

HIV/AIDS and TB remain the leading causes of death in Mpumalanga. The DA believes the DoH’s weak, inflexible initiatives are failing to meet the evolving needs of patients, contributing to poor prevention and treatment outcomes.

The DoH’s report shows the department did not meet 2025/2026 treatment and prevention targets for HIV/AIDS and TB. Although 95% of adults who tested HIV-positive reportedly began treatment, only 70% were retained.

Child treatment targets were also missed. The department aimed to initiate 849 HIV-positive children on ARVs in 2025/2026 but managed only 341. The report acknowledges the lack of a reliable system to follow up HIV-exposed infants at 10 weeks, 6 months and 18 months, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The DoH admits it is not doing enough to trace children under five who need TB treatment. Implementation of targeted universal testing and treatment (TUTT) for TB is described as inadequate, contributing to missed TB prevention and treatment targets.

Call to action
The DA calls on MEC Sasekani Manzini and the Mpumalanga DoH to:

Deploy all available resources immediately to find the remaining missing patients and re-engage defaulters.
Strengthen systems for follow-up of HIV-exposed infants and for initiating and retaining children on ARV treatment.
Urgently scale up effective, flexible community-based tracing and retention strategies and improve TUTT implementation for TB.

The DA supports the renewed focus on TB through the caucus relaunch, but warns that without rapid, decisive action to locate and retain people on treatment, both HIV and TB outcomes in Mpumalanga will continue to deteriorate.

Sasol Highveld Photography Club — April 2026 meeting wrap

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Encee van Huyssteen

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May 5, 2026

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Sasol Highveld Photography Club — April 2026 meeting wrap

The Sasol Highveld Photography Club gathered in April 2026 for a lively club meeting and guest-judge evening with Robbie Aspeling. The meeting featured 58 entries across eight categories — Nature (11), Photojournalism (4), Monochrome (10), Pictorial (11), Scapes (6), Nature — Birds Only (6) and Set Subject (10) — and included both senior and junior competitions.

Highlights

PSSA News:

Best Club Junior / Senior CompetitionSenior winner for March: Leon Pelser with “Inspection” (30 points)
Junior winner for March: Edmund Hattingh with “Stofwolk” (30 points).

Web competition top entries in March included Leon Pelser, DNE Smit, Sussa Pelser and Yolandi Geyser.

PSSA news and salon results The club reviewed recent PSSA salon successes and encouraged members to nominate “Sasol Highveld Photography” as their club when entering web and salon competitions

2nd Highway Salon PDI (2026): multiple acceptances and a Category Runner-Up (PSSA Bronze) for Sussa Pelser.
Ermelo Fotoklub 5th Digital Salon (2026): several accepted entries and a Certificate of Merit to Yolandi Geyser.
14th National AFO Salon (2026) and PSSA 29th National Up-and-Coming Photo Competition (2026): numerous accepted images from club members including Sussa Pelser, DNE Smit, Louis van der Walt, Yolandi Geyser and Edmund Hattingh (pages 10–11).

Upcoming salons and events A list of upcoming salons with closing dates was presented to members, including HCPS 7th Salon, TAF 15th Print & PDI Salon, Sandton National Digital Salon and international competitions such as the China International Photographic Art Exhibition. Members were encouraged to participate and to choose the club as their nominated entry club.

Club business and calendar The club agenda covered member birthdays, promotions (none this month), PSSA news, photography events, the guest judge presentation, scoring and closure. The meeting calendar and set-subject schedule for the year were confirmed : April — Motion (17 April meeting), May — Night (8 May), June — Time (5 June), July — Funny (3 July), August — Forms in Nature (14 August), September — Industrial (4 September), October — Mirror, mirror (2 October), November — Self-Portrait (6 November) and the year-end AGM and braai on 5 December.

Closing The meeting closed with thanks to winners and participants and encouragement to keep entering PSSA salons and web competitions (closure slide, page 19). Members are reminded to keep Photovault profiles (including birthdays) up to date and to nominate the club when entering competitions.

The best Senior Photographer for April is Leon Pelser with “Dusty Game”

The best Junior Photographer for April is Yolandi Geyser with “Watcher in the Dark”

The best Setsubject Photograph for April is DNE Smit with “Spier Tiere”

Here are all the COM and Gold winners for the April meeting:

Category – Nature: Birds Only

Kom jy regtig by my sit? by Edmund Hattingh

Category – Scapes

Category – Monochrome

Category – Nature

Category – Pictorial

Praying Mantis X Mouth by Louis van der Walt

Category – Photojournalism

Category – Set Subject

Western Mounted Games 0285 by Adri Kirsten

Freedom Front Plus calls for crackdown on taxi mafia in Mpumalanga

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 30, 2026

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Freedom Front Plus calls for crackdown on taxi mafia in Mpumalanga

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has intensified its campaign against the growing lawlessness of taxi associations in Mpumalanga.

“During a recent oversight visit by the Mpumalanga Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety to the SAPS provincial headquarters, the party once again raised the critical issue of illegal taxi patrols,” said Werner Weber Freedom Front Plus MPL: Mpumalanga

The Freedom Front Plus emphasised that no individual or organisation—including taxi associations—is above the law.

The conduct and public statements of certain leaders, such as the Mpumalanga chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni—who has claimed that the association has the right to stop motorists and prevent lift-sharing—have contributed to the current state of lawlessness on the province’s roads.

Mpumalanga Mr Fanyana Sibanyoni, Chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco)

Taxi patrol groups are reportedly forcing motorists off the road using life-threatening tactics, demanding unlawful fines, and employing violence to enforce monopolies over transport routes.

Numerous vehicles and drivers are operating without valid permits, while intimidation and extortion are being used to eliminate competition.

Although the MEC for Community Safety, Mr Jackie Macie, has undertaken to investigate the matter, commitments without decisive action are insufficient.

The authorities’ reluctance to make arrests is emboldening these groups to continue their unlawful and often violent activities.

The Freedom Front Plus calls for the immediate disbandment of all unlawful taxi patrols, the criminal prosecution of individuals involved in hijackings, intimidation, and extortion, as well as a moratorium on new operating licences and the revocation of licences held by associations implicated in such activities.

South Africans deserve dignity and safety on public roads.

The Freedom Front Plus will continue to apply pressure in the Legislature until the authorities recognise that maintaining law and order is not optional—and that this principle applies equally to the taxi industry.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 23, 2026

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

Since early February 2025, clusters of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported in primary schools and daycare centres in the northern part of eThekwini District. Cases has also been reported in Secunda and even Capetown.

HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children under 10. Caused by enteroviruses, it typically produces mild, self-limiting illness with recovery in 7–10 days. HFMD affects humans only and is distinct from animal “foot-and-mouth” disease.

How HFMD spreads

Direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, or fluid from blisters.
Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Contact with contaminated surfaces or shared objects (toys, stationery, utensils).
Contact with fecal matter (for example, from inadequate hand hygiene after toilet use or diaper changes).

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 3–7 days after exposure and commonly last about 7–10 days. Typical features include:

Fever, sore throat, fatigue, and loss of appetite
Small painful blisters or ulcers inside the mouth, and on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

Diagnosis and treatment

HFMD is usually diagnosed clinically from the characteristic symptoms and signs. In severe or uncertain cases, throat or stool samples may be sent to a laboratory for confirmation.
There is no specific antiviral treatment or widely used vaccine for HFMD. Management is supportive: rest, fluids, and symptomatic relief for fever and pain (as advised by a healthcare provider).
Most children recover fully at home. Seek prompt medical attention for severe symptoms or signs of complications.

Prevention and school guidance

Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after toileting, diaper changes, and before eating.
Avoid sharing eating utensils, cups, and toothbrushes.
Regularly clean and disinfect toys, surfaces, and shared items in childcare and classroom settings.
Keep children from close contact with anyone who is ill.
Children who are well enough may attend school; routine exclusion or school closures are not generally required when cases occur, unless advised by health authorities.

If you have concerns about a child’s symptoms or believe they may have HFMD, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for guidance.

‘Good’ and ‘bad credit’ and why it matters

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 21, 2026

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‘Good’ and ‘bad credit’ and why it matters

This Financial Literacy month, understanding the distinction could help under-pressure consumers avoid a debt spiral

Under pressure from rising electricity prices and municipal rates, South African consumers now face soaring fuel costs, which will have a knock-on effect throughout the economy.

The consequences for people with little or no financial wiggle room are already apparent, with applications for debt counselling in April already significantly up compared to last year.

National Debt Counselling Association chairperson, René Moonsamy, says when faced with rising costs, many consumers have few options: make use of the ‘two-pot’ system to dip into retirement savings, access more credit, or a combination of the two, or seek help from a debt counsellor to restructure debt and get protection from creditors.

“The reality is that we’re going to see people borrowing more. In this context, understanding debt and the distinction between so-called ‘good’ and ‘bad credit’ is important. With consumers battered by a storm of rising costs, and April being Financial Literacy month, now is a perfect time to explore the distinction.”

Credit itself, she explains, is neutral. It’s not the type of credit that’s at issue. What characterises it as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ is what it is used for, how much it costs, and whether the consumer can afford it.

‘Good’ credit is affordable, well-managed and used for productive purposes that improve your long-term financial stability. For example, buying a car to get to work or generate an income, furthering your education or paying for a renovation to add value to your house.

Payments should be affordable relative to your income, and the interest rates should be in line with a consumer’s risk profile. Making payments on time allows you to build a positive financial record. This will enable you to access financial products at better rates, because your credit score shows you are financially reliable.

The National Credit Act requires lenders to ensure applicants can afford credit before approving it. At the same time, consumers need to be truthful when applying for credit about their incomes and expenses.

“The problem is that while responsible lenders carry out all the required checks, desperate applicants can misrepresent expenses or income on the application. This is when borrowing becomes unaffordable, ‘bad credit’,” says Moonsamy.

‘Bad credit’ is unaffordable, high-cost or poorly managed borrowing, usually for short-term consumption that adds no lasting value.

Examples include using credit to fund lifestyle or basic living expenses, or taking new credit to repay old loans.

“In simple terms, ‘good credit’ helps you acquire assets and achieve financial stability and sustainability in the long term, while ‘bad credit’ is usually unaffordable, often used for short-term consumption and damages your credit record.”

“There’s nothing inherently wrong with credit. It’s integral to a functioning economy. What’s important to understand is whether it benefits you or not. We understand, however, that for people already caught in a debt spiral, the distinction between ‘good’ and ‘bad credit’ is academic, in which case the best course of action is to get help from one of our members. Delaying can further negatively affect your credit score and put your assets at risk of repossession, and if you wait too long, debt counselling may no longer be an option,” says Moonsamy.

Masibulele Mndebele Crowned Miss Mpumalanga 2026

Encee van Huyssteen

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April 12, 2026

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Masibulele Mndebele Crowned Miss Mpumalanga 2026

Masibulele Mndebele of Bethal was crowned Miss Mpumalanga 2026 on April 11, 2026, at the AFM Communio Auditorium in Mbombela. The 24-year-old media practitioner and aspiring filmmaker earned the title after a competitive finale that capped a week of community engagement, leadership activities and public service by the top 10 finalists.

Chosen for her committed advocacy for young women, Masibulele has championed health, education and dignity as cornerstones of her platform. During the competition she emphasized health and fitness as vital tools in combating substance abuse and served as a brand ambassador for the iNtombazane sanitary pads initiative, promoting menstrual dignity to help keep girls in school. Her dedication to social impact and community service distinguished her among the finalists and positioned her as a visible advocate for positive social change across the province.

Watch the ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DcB6tN9Us/

The 2026 edition marked the 16th year of the Miss Mpumalanga pageant, a milestone that underscores the event’s longstanding role in empowering young women across the province. In advance of the final, the top 10 finalists took part in community and leadership activities designed to deepen their civic engagement and practical impact.

Govan Mbeki Municipality also congratulated Masibulele on her win, celebrating her journey as a testament to the resilience and excellence of the municipality’s youth. The municipality urged residents to celebrate this achievement for Bethal and to support Masibulele as she begins her reign focused on empowerment, leadership and service.

Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Consultations Underway — Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM)

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 9, 2026

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What Is a Municipal Budget? The municipal budget is the annual financial plan adopted by the elected council. It outlines how funds will be collected and spent to deliver services, maintain infrastructure, and promote development. The budget is the key mechanism through which municipal priorities—set out in the IDP—are realised.

Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget consultations are annual, mandatory public participation processes in South Africa that allow residents to influence municipal service-delivery priorities and spending before the new financial year begins. These consultations typically run between August and May, and final municipal budgets must be approved before the start of the municipal financial year on July 1.

About the IDP and Budget Process

The IDP is the municipality’s five-year strategic plan setting development priorities and objectives. The annual budget allocates funding to deliver those priorities (for example, water, roads, housing, sanitation and other municipal services).
Municipalities invite community stakeholders to review and comment on draft IDP and budget documents through ward meetings, written submissions, and public notices. Inputs are considered before the council finalises the budget and adoption occurs ahead of the new financial year.
IDPs are reviewed annually (even though they cover five years) to accommodate changing needs and to align the budget with current priorities.

Read the IDP here: Draft fourth annual review of idp.pdf

Read the Draft Budget here: DRAFT MEDIUM TERM REVENUE EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK FOR THE 2026 2027 FINANCIAL.pdf

Current Consultations (2026/27): Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) GMM has scheduled public consultation meetings from 8 April to 20 April 2026. Residents may provide written inputs:

General IDP inputs: sharon.p@govanmbeki.gov.za
Budget inputs: office.cfo@govanmbeki.gov.za

How to Participate

Take part in local meetings during the consultation period to raise priorities directly with councillors and municipal officials.
Access draft IDP and budget documents—usually available on municipal websites, at municipal offices, or public libraries—and review proposed projects and allocations.
If you cannot attend meetings, submit written inputs by email to the addresses above or use designated drop-off points where available.

Why Participation Matters

Public participation is a statutory right under the Municipal Systems Act. Engaging ensures your ward’s needs are considered in planning and spending decisions.
Resident input can shape which projects are prioritised and funded—such as repairs to infrastructure, improvements in water or sanitation, local safety measures, or community facilities.

How Municipal Budgets Work

When does the municipal financial year start?
The municipal financial year runs annually and must begin with an approved budget on July 1.

Funding sources:

Property rates: Levies on property owners based on assessed values.
Service charges: Fees for water, electricity, sanitation, and waste removal.
National and provincial transfers: Grants like the Equitable Share to support basic services for indigent households.
Fines, licenses, investments: Revenue from fines, business licenses, and municipal investments.
Borrowing: Loans for major infrastructure projects.

The municipal budget funds essential public services and infrastructure—basic services (water, electricity, sanitation, roads), community development (libraries, parks), public safety (fire, disaster management), and local economic growth initiatives.

Who Benefits? Municipal budgets serve all residents and businesses. They are especially crucial for indigent households relying on free or subsidised services and for ensuring a functional environment that supports local economic activity.

The Connection Between the IDP and the Budget The IDP sets the municipality’s strategic goals for economic and social development over five years and is managed by mayors, executive committees, and municipal managers. The annual budget is the implementation tool that allocates financial resources to projects and programs that deliver the IDP’s objectives. Annual IDP reviews—conducted during the budget process—allow municipalities to adjust plans to reflect changing priorities and inputs from the community.

Public Role After Budget Adoption Municipalities must create systems that maximise public participation. With rising tariffs and constrained resources, citizen involvement in budget processes is essential to ensure funds are directed appropriately toward operating and capital costs. After budgets are finalised, residents can monitor municipal spending by:

Reviewing Auditor-General annual reports to assess compliance and value for money.

Using audit findings to advocate for budget changes and improved service delivery in subsequent budget cycles. Active civic monitoring helps improve local facilities and outcomes for communities.

How to get involved now

Note the GMM consultation period (8–20 April 2026).
Attend your ward meeting or review the draft IDP and budget online or at municipal offices/libraries.
Send written submissions to sharon.p@govanmbeki.gov.za (IDP) or office.cfo@govanmbeki.gov.za (budget).

Participation ensures municipal plans and spending reflect community priorities and improves accountability in how public funds are used.

Embhuleni District Hospital facing crisis as staff nurse vacancy rate hits 94%

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Encee van Huyssteen

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April 8, 2026

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Embhuleni District Hospital facing crisis as staff nurse vacancy rate hits 94%

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has written to Health MEC Sasekani Manzini demanding urgent action to fill critical vacancies and address severe equipment and infrastructure shortages at Embhuleni District Hospital,” said Bosman Grobler, MPL — DA Spokesperson on Health, Mpumalanga Legislature.

Key findings and stats

Staff Nurses: required 78 — currently 5 (94% vacancy)
Professional Nurses: required 149 — currently 117 (21% vacancy)
Medical Officers: required 39 — currently 14 (64% vacancy)
Service footprint: Gert Sibande District, including an estimated 248,000 residents of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality

As part of the ongoing Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programme, the Portfolio Committee on Health, chaired by Munene Mhlongo, conducted an oversight visit to Embhuleni Hospital to evaluate healthcare access and project implementation. The hospital, founded in 1982 and marking 42 years, shows a stark contrast between its history and current operational challenges.

Presentations by Department Head Dr. Lucas Ndhlovu and Chief Director Dr. Sheryl Nelson confirmed that:

Medication supply is generally sufficient, but physical and operational infrastructure is deteriorating.

Critical shortages of medical equipment and surgical consumables, including laryngoscope bulbs and various-sized airways.

Shortages of basic consumables and PPE, and emergency trolleys lacking oxygen, defibrillator, suction and airway management tools.

Missing internal signage, lack of soap and towel dispensers, leaking pipes, roof damage, and potholes on hospital grounds.

Long patient waiting periods due to an insufficient workforce.

Board and administrative notes Sitani Nkosi, Chairperson of the Hospital Board, reported improvements and ongoing concerns:

A new filing system has reduced missing patient files.
Four new doctors have been appointed, stabilising emergency services and reducing outsourcing costs.
The board is conducting surprise visits to monitor staff performance and executive accountability.
However, committee members raised concerns about administrative discrepancies: some executive members remain on the payroll despite suspensions being lifted but have not returned to duty.

Committee demands and department response The Portfolio Committee demanded:

Immediate filling of vacancies to reduce wait times and nurse fatigue.
Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, including replacement of old piping, improved disability access, and installation of surveillance cameras.
Reinstatement of suspended employees cleared to return and a new strategy for engagement with labour unions.

Dr. Ndhlovu reported that 37 artisans have been deployed to begin renovations and equipment installation. He noted the financial logic of maintaining and optimising existing facilities when beds are under-utilised at smaller hospitals.

Accountability and deadline The committee has required the hospital and the Provincial Department of Health to submit a formal mitigation report addressing all raised concerns by 04/07/2026.

Impact and DA call to action The DA reiterates that failing to urgently address staffing, equipment and infrastructure shortages will perpetuate overcrowding, poor patient outcomes, longer waiting times, delayed diagnoses and staff burnout. The DA calls on MEC Sasekani Manzini to prioritise immediate recruitment of nursing staff and medical officers, procurement of essential equipment and consumables, and full infrastructure refurbishments to restore safe, timely care for the community.