The Northern Cape cabinet has expressed their heartfelt apology to a Rietfontein mother, who gave birth to her baby on the street two weeks ago.

The new mother was forced to deliver her baby on the streets as the health facility that was supposed to open 24 hours was closed due to salary disputes.

The acting Premier Grizelda Cjiekella and Health MEC, Mxolisi Sokatsha visited Veronica Brown at her home to formally apologise.

Cjiekella says they take responsibility for what has happened, she says it was a mistake that will never be repeated.

“I think it’s really a blessing to have him healthy. I spoke to the health staff that was here they said there’s nothing wrong with the baby.  We came here to apologise to the parents and take responsibility but we have addressed the issues, because the problem was overtime problem. But the department has addressed this matter, so we hope that now in the future this will never happen again but also that our people will not be punished when we got challenges to be addressed as government,” says Cjiekella.

The mother, Veronica Brown, has welcomed the apology; “I thank them because they cared enough to come here and I welcome their apology.”

However, Rietfontein community members were not impressed. “For me the disappointment lies in why should this thing turn so ugly before people could fix it, it means the money was there the equipment was there but it is dragging feet and they are not sincere with the people of the Mier region,” says Community spokesperson  Meris Kocks.