Quality public healthcare services, community farming development and addressing stock theft are the key issues that have seen MECs of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government visiting the area of KwaMaphumulo.
In a continuous effort of uplifting our communities and bringing government services to the people, the KZN Government has implemented a variety of projects and programmes at a community level. These projects and programmes are necessitated by the needs of our communities for a better life and also informed by challenges that are identified in the communities.
The place of KwaMaphumulo will largely benefit, when the MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo and the MEC for Community Safety and Liaison and local leadership arrive in this area bringing government service delivery in a form of a Primary Healthcare Centre, Community Goat Farming Project and Addressing Stock Theft (that has plagued this area).
KwaMaphumulo Clinic
In an effort to expand and improve access to public healthcare services to our rural communities, the Department of Health has constructed KwaMaphumulo Clinic which is servicing an estimate of 17,000 people in the area and the surroundings. Prior to the construction of this structure, Maphumulo Clinic was implemented as a Health Post to alleviate the influx of Outpatient Department patients in Umphumulo Hospital.
At the Health Post, the community was attended in one small building which at all times was congested due to a high volume of patients. During the last quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, there were 12,626 patients who were seen at the Health Post, hence there was a need to make the Health Post into a fully-fledged Clinic.
This new clinic operates on a 24hr basis and provides a full package of services according to it’s level of care, namely; minor ailments, child care, women’s health, maternal care, chronic diseases, HIV counseling and testing/voluntary counseling and testing, TB, treatment of sexually transmitted infections, eye care, mental health care, geriatrics, youth friendly services, nutrition, attend to injuries, resource centre for health education, monthly doctors’ visits and a multi-disciplinary team.
Sdoho Goat Farming Project
In an effort to deal with poverty, unemployment and uplift our communities through farming, the Department of Agriculture has funded a 208 ha community project on goat production. The project is run by a Co-operative known as Sdoho goat farmers association and their key focus is to breed goats for the market. With the assistance from the department, the project beneficiaries have received training on goat production.
Stock theft in the area
Stock theft has been a challenge in the area. The theft of stock amongst the community had threatened peace and stability in the area and the danger of possible factional fights was perceived.
However, through the intervention of Government working with local leadership; faction fights were prevented in the area. Through the Community in Dialogue Programme, community awareness on stock theft will be raised and peace building programme within the community will be promoted.
All media is invited to attend and cover this event detailed as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Time: 9h00
Venue: KwaMaphumulo Clinic, KwaMaphumulo, Ilembe District
(From the clinic the entourage will proceed to Ukukhanyakwezwe High School, thereafter to Sdoho goat farming project and to the main event at Sabuyaze sports ground.)
Transport requirements should be communicated to Ms Sebe Zwane no later than 10h00 on the 14th of October 2013 via email: sebe.zwane@kznhealth.gov.za or sms on 071 475 0662.
For further enquiries please contact:
Mr Sam Mkhwanazi
KZN Health General Manager: Corporate Communications
Cell: 081 038 2193
