Rural residents in the areas of Kedia, Makalamabedi, Khwee and other remote areas often encounter barriers to healthcare due to lack of health facilities.

Although primary healthcare is the most basic need, along with emergency and public health services, it has not always been accessible in some of the remote areas in Boteti due to constrained government budget.

Rural dwellers have experienced a lot of challenges to travel to reach a primary care provider, which has also been costly and burdensome due to lack of public transport and transport fees.

Patients at times are compelled to substitute local primary care providers with unprofessional health practices or to forego care altogether.

There are often more elderly patients in rural communities, who have chronic conditions requiring frequent visits to outpatient healthcare facilities, and this becomes more challenging without available public or private transportation in areas like Kedia and Makalamabedi.

Rural patients need assurance and trust that they can access health services without compromising their privacy, therefore they may not prefer to access care at a health service located far from them.

Low health literacy can also make residents reluctant to seek healthcare due to fear of embarrassment related to communicating with a healthcare professional unfamiliar with them.

Access to healthcare and optimal health is critical for a population’s wellbeing and the recommended radius of healthcare facility away from people is 10 kilometres.

The benefits of primary care access include preventative measures such as early disease detection, care coordination and reduction in maternal deaths. Rural residents with limited primary care access may not receive preventive screenings that can lead to early detection and treatment of diseases.

As part of saving people’s lives, which is one of the priorities of the Reset Agenda, the Vice President and also the area Member of Parliament for Boteti West, Mr Slumber Tsogwane embarked on a drive to set up health facilities through Public Private Partnerships.

Three clinics in Boteti West have been established as a move to implement government’s commitment to provide access to healthcare and ensure convenient healthcare in rural areas.

The companies have responded to government’s call to partner in developing the country and embarked on the projects as a form of corporate social investment.

In Kedia, Crown Manufacturing Group sponsored an outpatient clinic to the tune of P1.5 million. The project is complete and already in operation.

The clinic has two consultation rooms, antenatal care room, dressing and injection room, child welfare room, drug store, dispensary room, ablution for patients and waiting area for all service points.

The old clinic structure is to be repurposed into a two-bed maternity ward.

According to the former Regional Health Coordinator Ms Gasebotho Kedikilwe, the facility has reduced overcrowding citing that, health practitioners will have adequate and better working space.

Another clinic, sponsored by Leseding Interior, was constructed between 2018 and 2022 in Makalamabedi. The facility is expected to be handed over to Ministry of Health soon.

The Director of Leseding Interior Mr Nadiim Bobat said the project was built at a cost of P4.5 million.

The clinic has a general patient consultation room, expectant mothers’ consultation room, dressing and injection room, emergency room, dispensary, drug store, registry, medical records room   and an administration office.

In Mopipi, 70 kilometres from Orapa, World Group of Companies financed construction of a clinic with a maternity wing, and it is already operational.

According to the Project Manager, Mr Nshanganyi Damba the project cost P5 million.

The clinic has a maternity wing with two delivery rooms, storeroom, lounge, three showers and drug store. It also has a main clinic site with three consultation rooms, injection room, dressing room and screening room among others.

The clinic also has a dispensary with two drugstores, a sterilization room divided into various units, ambulance sites, kitchen and public ablution blocks among others.

Furthermore Orapa Letlhakane and Damtshaa (OLD)Mines recently engaged on a charity walk to raise funds that would go towards the refurbishment of a theatre at Rakops Primary Hospital estimated to cost over P4.2 million.

Currently Rakops Primary Hospitla does not offer theatre services but refer to other hospitals and the intention is to improve clinical outcomes of emergencies in Boteti.

Another project that has made a significant improvement of primary healthcare delivery is Letlhakane Primary Hospital Maternity wing, partly funded through OLD Mines General Manager’s Charity Walk.

The facility has realized an improvement in capacity where 4990 patients have been serviced and 4010 newborn babies born since the facility was handed to the Ministry of Health in 2020.

The project was conceived to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, ease congestion and improve access to high quality healthcare in Letlhakane.

In addition, Debswana in partnership with TKM Engineering upgraded Moremaoto Clinic at a tune of P1.8 million, with Debswana contributing P1.6 million and TKM the remaining amount.

The aim of the project was to ease congestion and improve access to high quality healthcare.

Letlhakane District Hospital is also on cards and would be funded through the Transitional National Development Plan to be delivered through Development Managers Model.

The project, which is at design stage, would be carried out by K-Hill Consortium.

The Private Secretary to the President, Mr Moses Boile stated that the Office of the Vice President came with the decision to invest in clinics after realising the extent of the challenges in the areas in question.

 Although government tried hard to provide health facilities and health services across the country, he said it was realised that there were still people who had to travel long distances to access health facilities.

One of the residents, Mr Johane Sephiri said they were delighted to have a facilityof such standard in Mopipi.

“We have always wished to have a facility of this kind,” he said.

He noted that rural areas were mostly populated by elderly people, who found it difficult to travel long distances to access services.

In Makalamabedi, Ms Gofetamang Keadilwe shared the same sentiments saying the clinic has brought healthcare within reach. Ms Keadilwe said the project has also created employment opportunities for locals.

Source : BOPA

Author : Thandy Tebogo

Location : LETLHAKANE

Event : Interview

Date : 08 Sep 2024

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Johannesburg, 13 February 2024. Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, has issued a response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on February 8, 2024.

Executive Director, Anton Hanekom said although the President�s address highlighted the challenges facing the nation as a whole, the impact of many of these obstacles are profoundly felt by the plastics industry.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ramaphosa acknowledged that the country is still dealing with the fallout from state capture, load shedding, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of investment. �For a decade, individuals at the highest levels of the state conspired with private individuals to take over and repurpose state owned companies, law enforcement agencies and other public institutions. Billions of rands that were meant to meet the needs of ordinary South Africans were stolen. Confidence in our country was badly eroded. Public institutions were severely weakened,� the President said.

Protecting the manufacturing sector and creating jobs

The South African government stated that it has taken certain steps to address the youth unemployment challenge in the country. Despite this, our unemployment rate is the highest it has ever been.

�The plastics industry was identified as a priority sector for the South African economy as it provides employment to 60,000 people. However, the recent economic downturn, energy crisis and labour challenges are forcing many plastics manufacturers and recyclers to downscale their operations and risk the jobs of many workers. Immediate and drastic measures are needed to protect and restore the entire manufacturing sector, but especially to revitalise the competitiveness of the plastics sector,� Hanekom said. He also urged the Government to extend the RAF fuel rebate offered to food manufacturers on diesel for generators to the to include plastic packaging manufacturers.

�Because recognise the need for a skilled and trained workforce that can add value in each sector, we continue to provide cutting edge, hands-on training in the latest manufacturing and leadership techniques that not only address our unemployment crisis, but also help to stimulate economic growth and ensure our competitiveness on a global stage,� he added.

Improving infrastructure

Plastics play a crucial role in modern infrastructure, offering durability, versatility and cost-effectiveness in various construction applications. Explains Hanekom: �In infrastructure projects, plastics are utilised in numerous forms, including pipes, cables, insulation materials, and roofing membranes. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are commonly used for water distribution and sewage systems due to their corrosion resistance and longevity. Additionally, plastics such as polystyrene and polyurethane are employed in insulation, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Moreover, the lightweight nature of plastics facilitates easier transportation and installation, reducing labour costs and environmental impact�.

The Department of Water and Sanitation aims to enhance water resource management by initiating infrastructure projects to secure water supply and diversifying water sources to reduce dependence on surface water. In addition, Government has committed to increase construction of infrastructure through new and innovative funding mechanisms. The industry eagerly awaits the commencement of these infrastructure projects to provide products that will contribute to cost effectiveness, durability and a low carbon footprint.

�Plastics plays a crucial role in the country’s infrastructure and food security. However, we need government support and political will to revitalise the manufacturing sector, support local businesses, and combat the influx of cheap imports coming into our country and eroding our markets,� Hanekom urged.

Protecting the environment

Finding solutions to South Africa�s pollution problem and protecting the environment continue to be a key focus area for both the Government and the plastics industry around the world. Hanekom reiterated that plastics have an important role to play in actually combatting climate change.

�Numerous studies and life cycle analyses have proven time and again that when plastics are collected and recycled as part of a circular economy, they have a smaller environmental footprint compared to other packaging materials. They can be re-used many times over. Plastics that have a one-time purpose can be recycled into useful applications with a long-term use, for example water bottles are recycled into duvets, pillows of fleece jackets, or bottles for milk, juice and shampoo, shopping bags, household containers and crates and closures can be recycled into toys, garden furniture or decking,� he explained.

For this reason, Plastics SA is relentless in its efforts to promote and educate end-users about recycling, supporting the industry with the development of end-markets and working with local and national government to improve waste management and collection systems throughout the country.

Dealing with climate change

Over the last few years the Government has had to confront the effects of climate change, and in this year�s address the President highlighted their plans to invest in green energy. He invited the private sector to participate in the expected boom that will be generated green hydrogen energy projects.

�Hydrogen is viewed as a promising alternative to fossil fuel, but the methods used to make it either generate too much carbon dioxide or are too expensive. It is exciting to note, however, that researchers have recently found a way to harvest hydrogen from plastic waste using a low-emissions method that could more than pay for itself and could provide a win-win solution for us,� Hanekom said.

Other growth sectors

Numerous other areas of focus and investment were singled out by the President where plastics have an important role to play. Says Hanekom: �Whether it is stabilising the country�s energy supply, fixing logistical problems or boosting electric vehicle manufacturing, plastics have a role to play in every area�.

In conclusion, while concerns about plastic pollution are valid, it is important to recognise the crucial role that plastics play in the future of South Africa. With proper waste management and recycling initiatives, these issues can be effectively mitigated, allowing for the continued utilisation of plastics in various sectors. The industry’s willingness to cooperate and support national objectives underscores the potential for positive change. However, it is essential for political will and decisive action to align with these efforts to steer the country and its economy towards growth and prosperity. By addressing plastic pollution, while harnessing the benefits of plastics responsibly, South Africa can forge a sustainable path forward for generations to come.