The Mpumalanga Department of Health ( has begun urgent maintenance at Rob Ferreira Hospital, prioritising the restoration of hot water and plumbing services after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) exposed serious infrastructure failures during its oversight visit.
The hospital’s deterioration was formally documented during the SAHRC’s oversight inspection on June 15. The commission’s findings confirmed long-standing concerns raised by whistle-blowers, patients and their families about failing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance and conditions that undermine the dignity of those seeking medical care.
SAHRC exposes critical infrastructure failures
SAHRC provincial manager Erick Mokonyama described several alarming conditions observed during the visit.
He said investigators found a surgical patient waiting on a bench for admission to Ward 3, while mothers in the maternity wards were allegedly forced to leave their newborn babies unattended to search for functioning toilets.
The commission also found broken toilets without doors, continuously running taps and wards without hot water.
Staff reportedly told investigators that some wards had gone without hot water for years, with as few as 10 blankets available in certain wards. Families were also allegedly asked to bring their own linen.
Department prioritises plumbing and hot water restoration
DoH spokesperson Chris Nobela said maintenance work is currently under way, with priority being given to critical issues identified at the hospital. “We have prioritised the restoration of hot water and plumbing to ensure that patients have access to hot water,” said Nobela. “It must be noted that the installation of the calorifiers will not affect patient care, as they are located outside and the work is minor.”
He said the DoH will continue attending to all reported maintenance issues.
“We also have on-site artisans from the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport who are responsible for and continue to attend to maintenance-related issues that are reported,” Nobela added. He said two full-time artisans, a plumber and an electrician, had been deployed to the hospital to ensure maintenance concerns are addressed as they arise.
When questioned about the delay in addressing the maintenance problems, Nobela did not provide a direct explanation, saying the DoH had already taken steps to resolve issues. He also insisted that the hospital has enough linen, and that patients using their own do so by choice.
“I must also request members of the public to report anything that is broken to the hospital, and it will be attended to,” he said.
“If patients believe they have been mistreated or did not receive the required services, they should file formal complaints and these will be attended to,” Nobela said. “At this stage, we cannot respond to allegations that were made on social media.”
SAHRC to monitor ongoing progress
Mokonyama welcomed the DoH’s decision to begin repairs, saying the organisation hopes the maintenance programme will continue beyond the current intervention.
“The commission will be monitoring the repairs to confirm that they align with the plan shared by the department to address the challenges raised in the complaint against the hospit
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