Matibidi Hospital opens its heart to the community it serves

By: De-Shark

Matibidi District Hospital, under Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, held its Open Day on 18 September 2026, not as a formality, but as an act of democratic accountability. 

Management sat face-to-face with the people from the three areas of Mphahlama (Mphato, Hlabekisa and Matibidi) including gogos, traditional leaders, municipal councillors, SAPS (South African Police Service), school children, political parties and ordinary community members, to listen, to explain and to be held accountable.

The hospital also welcomed representatives from the Ehlanzeni District Office, various health facilities including Mapulaneng, as well as Limpopo province. "Consultation is not just a formality, it is a vital part of democratic accountability and transparency," hospital management said.

The day was about addressing long waiting periods, an X-ray machine that worries a parent, about a clinic that is too far for an unemployed mother to walk to and about a hospital that a community now calls its own.

Community member Elvis Mashaba stood up and spoke for many. "We see a lot of great things happening and we are very thankful. The issue that is concerning is related to the X-ray service. My suggestion is for the hospital to have at least three ambulances. Let me congratulate the CEO for ensuring that the hospital is always clean," said Mashaba. "I'm concerned about the long waiting period that normally takes more than two hours before you see a doctor. The Burkesluk Clinic is very far from the people and it becomes a challenge for some community members to access it because most of the people are unemployed and they can't afford transport money,” Mashaba said.

An elderly man, voice shaking but firm, added; "We request that at least one doctor must be available when you host your meetings, because we wait for a very long time to receive our pills or to see the doctor,” the elderly lady said.

Hospital CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Dr SP Lebea, did not deflect. He answered, apologised where needed and made commitments. "We currently have two ambulances in this hospital; we'll forward your request for an extra ambulance to the superiors. We are grateful for the compliments towards our staff," Dr Lebea said.

"In terms of the waiting period. We have about three taxis that come from Kgautjwane, Leboeng and Phiring transporting the elderly during pay day and the waiting period tends to be long on that day because the patients are many.

He said the Pharmacy Department of the hospital previously experienced long waiting periods due to a shortage of computers, but the matter is being attended to with an additional computer organised to make sure that the waiting period is minimised. He assured the public that the issue of longer waiting time at the pharmacy will be a thing of the past when the hospital hosts its Open Day next year.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Simphiwe Nkabinde brought a quiet, urgent truth to the gathering about mental health. "Previously, patients were referred to other hospitals such as Sabie and Lydenburg, to access the services of a Clinical Psychologist, but now we provide those services here at Matibidi Hospital," said Nkabinde. She said according to statistics, 23 people commit suicide daily in South Africa due to mental health issues and about 50 people attempt suicide on a daily basis. She furthermore stated that Matibidi hospital treats about three to four people per week who try to commit suicide. "We are encouraging you to bring them here at the hospital first, before looking for other options such as traditional healers. You can come to the hospital and ask to see a psychologist,” said Nkabinde.

In the pharmacy and dental departments, staff demystified services often misunderstood. Rachel Sekonya from the Pharmacy Department said the hospital has three pharmacists. "The safety of patients is very important. You have the right to return to the hospital and report after you discover some discomfort when taking medicine. Not all diseases require antibiotics. You don't need antibiotics for diseases such as flu, because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria,” said Sekonya.

Dr RD Moeketsane from Dental Health added. "In the Dental department we have three dentists and one assistant. We currently wash and patch teeth. We remove teeth on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Let us take care of our children's teeth as parents,” said Dr Moeketsane.

Bheki Mdluli from Patient Administration and Revenue, explained the Zazise Campaign and fees, reminding communities that files belong to the Department and that some care is subsidised. He revealed that pregnant women who are unemployed don’t pay for services and that the mortuary services cost R245 if the deceased is not retrieved within 24 hours. He added that medical reports require a payment of R855, while medical records cost R557. Mdluli cautioned the community that medical files remain in the hospital and there’s a penalty which includes arrest of one is found in possession of a medical file. Mdluli also urged the community members to consult the hospital for clarity before running to social media. "Elderly citizens don't pay at the hospital, children under six years don't pay for services. Casualty fee is R100 for the unemployed, for the employed is R155. Clinic is free service, but hospitals require payments. We also have a “Fast Lane” rule that allows immediate care for the elderly, as well as pregnant women and emergency situations,”said Mdluli.

The traditional leadership's presence was powerful. Justice Selahle, Chairperson of Mohlala-Morudi Traditional Council, said; "As the Traditional Councils (Mohlala-Morudi, Mashilane and Mogane), we are proud to be the caretakers of the hospital. We thank the doctors for saving the lives of our community members. This hospital belongs to the entire Mphahlama, let us take care of it.”

The Mogane Traditional Council representative said Dr Lebea's hands-on leadership has changed the hospital. "The arrival of Dr Lebea has improved the standard of the hospital. Dr Lebea is hands-on, when we come to see him, he's always helpful. He personally assists the patients and he's not always in the office,” said the representative.

Gregory Mashile from Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, delivered a message of support on behalf of Executive Mayor Friddah Mogotle Nkadimeng. "Health is every citizen's constitutional right. We can all see that Matibidi Hospital is well-managed and we urge the CEO to keep up the good work. We want the community to know that this is your hospital, the services belong to you and your lives are very important."

EMS numbers shared - 10117 for the call centre, 013 7697043 for the hospital EMS and 0826878064 for Mr Maluleke for emergencies.

The community members were alerted about plans to establish a clinic at the Mogane Tribal Council old offices, but certain measures have to be taken to ensure that it meets the required standards before it is turned into a healthcare facility. 

Dr Lebea closed by expressing gratitude to senior management, traditional leaders, stakeholders and community members for their support and attendance.