The Public Servants Association (PSA) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as “shocking and dangerous” conditions at Koster Hospital in the North West province. The union alleges that ongoing non-compliance with occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations is putting both employees and patients at risk.
Falling Ceilings, Exposed Wires, and Leaking Roofs
Kabelo Moalosi, the PSA’s Labour Relations Officer for the North West, detailed the hazards during a televised interview. Among the issues cited were:
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Collapsing ceilings
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Worn-out electrical wiring (posing electrocution risks)
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Leaking roofs
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Unusable sections of the hospital
Moalosi emphasized that these conditions not only endanger staff but also compromise patient care. “Employees are working in unsafe environments, which affects service delivery,” he said, adding that some areas of the hospital have been rendered unusable.
Calls for Immediate Action
The PSA has been engaging with the North West Health Department, demanding urgent intervention. While the department has acknowledged plans for refurbishment, Moalosi expressed frustration over delays. “Why do we have to go on national television for such basic issues?” he asked, questioning why inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour had not intervened earlier.
Health Department Responds: Refurbishment Delayed by Protests
Tebogo Lekgethwane, spokesperson for the North West Health Department, countered that the PSA was aware of ongoing engagements. He revealed that R120 million had initially been allocated for refurbishment, but community protests—demanding a new hospital instead—halted progress.
“The money was reallocated to avoid underspending,” Lekgethwane said, adding that the department has since secured community approval to proceed with repairs. He also claimed that Koster Hospital had received OHS certification, meeting “minimum requirements” for operation—a claim the PSA disputes given the visible hazards.
Timeline for Repairs Remains Uncertain
While Lekgethwane stated that Phase 1 of refurbishment would begin in the 2025/26 financial year, no immediate fixes are expected. The PSA insists that a full assessment must be conducted first, with unsafe areas cordoned off and emergency funds allocated for temporary solutions.
Patients Caught in the Middle
Koster Hospital serves a rural community, with the nearest alternative facilities 70 kilometers away in Rustenburg or Lichtenburg. The PSA warns that further deterioration could severely disrupt healthcare access for vulnerable residents.
What’s Next?
The PSA is awaiting confirmation of a planned visit by the Health MEC, while the department maintains that repairs are “in the pipeline.” Meanwhile, workers and patients continue to navigate what the union calls an “unacceptable and hazardous” environment.
As tensions rise, the spotlight remains on whether the North West Health Department will act swiftly—or if another crisis will force its hand.
