Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko is set to reopen three refurbished wards at Kopanong District Hospital and unveil an upgraded male psychiatric ward at Sebokeng Regional Hospital, in a move aimed at alleviating severe overcrowding and strengthening patient care across the Sedibeng district.
Health department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the upgrades, emphasizing their significance for both patients and healthcare workers. “Some of our hospitals, most especially the emergency units, are full because of the capacity that we have there,” Mabona stated. “We decided to refurbish some of these facilities so that we can have more space for our patients.”
The refurbishment project, which began last year and concludes this year, was conducted while hospitals remained operational—a complex undertaking requiring careful coordination. Mabona noted the delicate nature of working in active healthcare environments: “You need to take cognizance that people don’t need to be impacted in terms of them being injured while they are on site… barricade some of the areas and make sure that you don’t harm your patients.”
At Sebokeng Regional Hospital, the newly upgraded male psychiatric ward addresses a growing regional need. Mabona linked rising demand for mental health services to substance abuse challenges across the province. “The substance abuse that we see in the province dictates that at some point, most of those patients that are coming for the first time in our facilities, one way or the other, they must be treated at the psychiatric ward,” he explained. He added that secure, well-equipped wards are essential for managing patients who may present with aggressive behavior, ensuring they receive appropriate medication and care.
To further expand capacity, emergency services at Sebokeng will be temporarily relocated to a new site, enabling refurbishment of the existing overcrowded emergency unit. This phased approach aims to minimize service disruption while upgrading infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Mabona outlined additional projects underway across Gauteng. These include finalizing phase two of Thembisa Hospital, opening new wards at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in August, expanding services in the Ga-Rankuwa area, and refurbishing a facility in the City Bank precinct. “We are moving across,” Mabona said, while acknowledging that construction timelines can be affected by complex building processes and the need to maintain patient safety.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare access and quality. “We will always make sure that we care for our patients,” Mabona said, adding that the reopening of these wards demonstrates tangible progress in addressing systemic capacity pressures.
