Today, the Northern Cape Health MEC, Mr Maruping Lekwene conducted an oversight visit to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital in Kimberley. 

The visit comes after allegations surfaced of patients not been served meals at the hospital yesterday, due to picketing of staff employed by the service provider. We can confirm that the strike had since been suspended. The MEC engaged provincial and hospital top management for a detailed briefing on the matter. Following yesterday’s picketing, the hospital management intervened to ensure patients receive their meals on time, - whilst the service provider contracted by Department is seized with the matter. 

The MEC further urged hospital management to deal with all pressing matters impacting on the delivery of healthcare services at the hospital, as it has direct and negative bearing on patient’s health. Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital is a tertiary hospital and continues to renders specialist and sub-specialist care to our people across the province.