Stranded mother gives birth at Roossenekal Clinic locked gates

ROOSSENEKAL

The Limpopo Department of Health (LDoH) says it has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding allegations that a woman gave birth outside the Roossenekal Clinic on the night of Saturday 1 February 2025.

This follows claims that she was rushed to the clinic to seek assistance of an ambulance to take her to the hospital, as ambulances are stationed there, which is not a 24-hour facility and is closed at night.

On a viral video, which is circulating on various social media platforms, the woman is seen helplessly at the clinic entrance being helped to give birth by her mother and another woman who was passing the area at the time.

Neil Shikwambana, LDoH Spokesperson, said the investigation will review all circumstances, including the alleged delayed response of emergency services personnel who were not on-site at the time of her arrival.

“According to the information, the woman’s family urgently needed assistance and hired a vehicle to reach the EMS at the clinic premises. Unfortunately, they could not find any upon arrival. When the EMS personnel finally arrived, they found the woman had already delivered,” explained Shikwambana.

He said immediate medical assistance was provided, and both the mother and new-born were transported to Lydenburg Hospital in stable condition.

“The department takes this matter seriously hence the investigation. If any breach of discipline is identified, appropriate actions will be taken. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” concluded Shikwambana.

However, the Economic Freedom Fighters(EFF) in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) and Sekhukhune Region, say they are very shocked and disappointed by the office of the MEC of Health in Limpopo, Dieketseng Mashego and EMS personnel.

“The heavily pregnant woman gave birth outside the gate of Roosenekaal Clinic at about 22h00 pm. We are disappointed because on arrival the gate was locked and security personnel allegedly told her that the clinic will only be opened on Monday and EMS personnel are at home not at the clinic,” said EFF Chairperson in Sekhukhune Region, Ali Maloba.

He alleges that the family and some community members tried to locate an EMS personnel who resides not far from the clinic at RDP Section and unfortunately they were told that they don’t have ambulance keys.

“The off-duty paramedic referred them to station village next to Mapoach were one of the senior paramedic official reside, on arrival, the official immediately accompanied community members to the scene at Roosenekaal Clinic and unfortunately on arrival, the poor woman had already given birth outside clinic facility.

According to Maloba, in Limpopo, such incidents are now a norm for women to give birth outside health facilities.

“After 30 years of democracy our poor mothers are still subjected to such conditions. As the EFF, in early December, we have tried to raise our frustrations with regard to the poor conditions at Roosenekaal Clinic and unfortunately the MEC of health was petty and said allegations from EFF were unfounded and the department were very much happy with the clinic conditions. She even visited the clinic,” Maloba said.

Maloba indicated that the sad reality is that the clinic operates from 07h00am to 16h00 Monday to Friday, and closing over the weekends which literally means the community of Roosenekaal and surrounding villages have limited access to the health facility.

“It is sad because over the weekend they must travel more than 100km to Lydenburg Hospital and St Ritas’ Hospital to seek medical help. The sad part is the MEC was supposed to have prioritised the clinic and such incidents might have been prevented. This is a serious violation of human rights by the office of the MEC and national minister of health,” he said.

Maloba said the party will call on office to the minister to intervene in the issue and urge the department to provide quality health support and counselling for the victim.

“The EFF will demand the MEC to activate a 24 hours services at the clinic as well as safety of the staff including the EMS personnel,” he said.