By AGISANANG SCUFF
24 September 2025- The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari has commended the standard of primary healthcare services provided at Tsholofelo Clinic and Jouberton Community Health Centre (CHC) in Klerksdorp. Lehari’s remarks followed oversight visits to the two facilities during the ongoing Thuntsha Lerole Integrated Service Delivery Programme in Jouberton Township, in Klerksdorp.
He further said Tsholofelo Clinic, located in Jouberton, has been serving the community for 33 years. Lehari added that it is an 8-hour facility that refers patients to Jouberton CHC.
“During our visit, we inspected key areas, including the waiting area, pharmacy, consulting rooms, and youth-friendly services. We expressed satisfaction with the state of the facility, praising management and staff for their dedication.
“I am pleased that the operational manager here is knowledgeable and hands-on. The clinic is clean, medicine supply is sufficient, and security measures are in place,” he said.
Lehari said patients expressed general satisfaction with services, though some raised concerns about waiting times. He said it was noted that most patients arrive simultaneously around 7am, causing delays.
“During the visit, one patient was assessed on the spot and referred to Klerksdorp Hospital for further ENT (ear, nose, and throat) investigation—an example of responsive care. I applauded the staff for that and urged nurses not to become complacent.
“Nurses should attend to patients as early as possible. People should not be kept waiting the entire day without being helped,” said Lehari.
He said the visit also highlighted areas for improvement, including the need to erect a security guardhouse, install security gates, and trim trees leaning against the perimeter fence. Lehari said the clinic reported 95% medicine availability and an ambulance response time of 45 minutes, both within acceptable norms.
“Staffing currently includes six professional nurses, one enrolled nursing assistant, one doctor, and two cleaners. We stressed the importance of filling two vacant professional nurse posts to strengthen service delivery.
“At Jouberton CHC, which officially opened in 2023, we noted several areas of excellence. The facility reported 95% medicine availability, a TB cure rate of 95%, and Platinum status for performance against National Core Standards,” he said.
Lehari said the CHC was established as part of the government’s commitment to restore and uphold communities’ constitutional right to healthcare. He said, however, challenges remain.
“We raised concerns about gangsterism around the facility, calling for a multi-stakeholder approach involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and security partners to address the problem.
“The centre also faces pressure from patients outside its catchment area who prefer to use Jouberton CHC, further straining resources. We concluded by encouraging the clinic committee to continue serving as a vital link between communities and management,” said Lehari.
He said clinic committees must listen to community concerns and work with management to ensure these issues are addressed.
The Guardian 