New Hornlee Clinic opens, enhancing healthcare in the Western Cape

A state-of-the-art, 48.7 million rand medical facility has officially opened its doors in Hornlee, marking a major milestone in the Western Cape Government’s drive to deliver dignified, high-quality healthcare to growing communities.

The new Hornlee Clinic replaces an outdated facility that had become severely overwhelmed by the area’s rapidly expanding medical needs, struggling to cope with more than 30,000 patient visits every year.

Built on the site of the former Knysna Municipality taxi rank, the expansive replacement facility has been designed from the ground up to eliminate overcrowding, safeguard patient privacy, and provide a welcoming environment for local families.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, Premier Alan Winde emphasised that investing in healthcare infrastructure remains a cornerstone of provincial strategy.

“Growing communities need growing services,” Premier Winde said.

“The new Hornlee Clinic is an investment in the health and wellbeing of local residents and forms part of our commitment to ensuring that people can access quality public services close to where they live.”

The modern facility significantly upgrades the community’s healthcare capabilities, housing dedicated wings for both chronic and acute care. Patients will also benefit from purpose-built consultation and counselling rooms, an upgraded dispensary, and significantly larger waiting areas.

Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said  the infrastructure boost is as much an investment in the workforce as it is in the public.

“The new facility is designed not only to meet growing demand but also to ensure that residents can receive care in a setting that reflects the value and dignity of every person who walks through its doors,” Minister Wenger said.

“It will also provide healthcare workers with a more suitable environment from which to serve the community.”

To prevent any disruption to patient care, health authorities are managing the transition carefully. Services are being systematically phased into the building throughout June, with the clinic expected to be fully operational by 1 July 2026.

Heliza le Roux, Director for the Garden Route and Central Karoo region, hailed the project as a “cornerstone for primary healthcare” in Knysna, expressing gratitude to the community and local stakeholders who helped bring the R48.7 million vision to life.