In Conversation With Mr Foster Mohale (Health Departmental Spokesperson)
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Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi visited the Northern Cape on Friday, 8 August 2025, in response to the Health Ombud’s recently released report on the treatment, complications, and deaths of psychiatric patients at the Northern Cape Mental Hospital and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.
The Health Ombud, on 30 July 2025, publicly released findings from an investigation prompted by Minister Motsoaledi after the deaths of two mental health patients at the Northern Cape Mental Hospital. The report detailed concerns around human resources, procurement processes, and clinical protocols within the two facilities. Some doctors and nurses were specifically cited for failing to carry out certain professional duties with due diligence.
Following the report’s release, Minister Motsoaledi pledged to visit the province to meet with key stakeholders, including Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, Finance MEC Venus Blennies-Magage, and senior health department officials. These discussions focused on the Ombud’s findings and steps for improvement.
It was agreed that engagement with labour unions would also be necessary. The Minister met with five unions — DENOSA, HOSPERSA, NEHAWU, PSA, and NUPSAW — to brief them on the report’s conclusions and the way forward. Union representatives expressed dissatisfaction with how some of their members were implicated, requesting the Minister to intervene.
The Health Ombud, on 30 July 2025, publicly released findings from an investigation prompted by Minister Motsoaledi after the deaths of two mental health patients at the Northern Cape Mental Hospital. The report detailed concerns around human resources, procurement processes, and clinical protocols within the two facilities. Some doctors and nurses were specifically cited for failing to carry out certain professional duties with due diligence.
Following the report’s release, Minister Motsoaledi pledged to visit the province to meet with key stakeholders, including Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, Finance MEC Venus Blennies-Magage, and senior health department officials. These discussions focused on the Ombud’s findings and steps for improvement.
It was agreed that engagement with labour unions would also be necessary. The Minister met with five unions — DENOSA, HOSPERSA, NEHAWU, PSA, and NUPSAW — to brief them on the report’s conclusions and the way forward. Union representatives expressed dissatisfaction with how some of their members were implicated, requesting the Minister to intervene.
