Picture: New clinic at Schweizer Reneke/Screengrab
By MOHAU MARETELA
11 November 2026 – The North West Department of Health has confirmed that Schweizer-Reneke Town Clinic has relocated to new premises at 13 Olivier Street, with the government expected to spend more than R2.6 million on rental costs over the next 3 years. The clinic began operating from its new location on 10 November 2026, following preparations and facility assessments.
According to the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, the premises have been leased from 1 August 2026 until 31 July 2029, with monthly rental payments increasing annually. Lekgethwane said the department confirmed that the monthly rental for the first-year amounts to R68 356, increasing to R73 824.48 in the second year and R79 730.44 in the final year.
“Based on these figures, the government is expected to spend approximately R2.66 million over the duration of the lease. We acknowledge that challenges had been experienced during the initial stages, resulting in Mamusa Sub-District seeking approval to deviate from the original procurement process.
“Following challenges with the initial procurement process, Mamusa Sub-District sought and obtained approval for a deviation through the Provincial Office,” he said.
Lekgethwane further maintained that the procurement process was undertaken in accordance with applicable Supply Chain Management (SCM) prescripts, adding that the lease agreement was concluded and signed on 28 August 2026. He said the relocation comes as the department continues to rely on rented premises to provide primary healthcare services in Schweizer Reneke.
“The absence of suitable government land has prevented the establishment of a permanent clinic building. The department currently does not have suitable land available for the construction of a permanent clinic facility. The leased property is an interim solution intended to ensure that residents continue receiving essential healthcare services while longer-term infrastructure requirements remain unresolved.
“Before the relocation, the facility underwent readiness assessments by District and Provincial Quality Assurance teams. Consultations were also held with stakeholders to determine whether the premises were suitable for healthcare operations,” said Lekgethwane.
According to him, the premises are equipped with air-conditioning, internal signage, functional toilets, bulk water supply and a functioning generator. Lekgethwane said fire extinguishers have also been installed, although the department acknowledged that additional units had been identified as necessary.
“The clinic currently employs 14 staff members, including an operational manager, 3 professional nurses, 3 enrolled nursing assistants, an administration clerk, 2 data capturers, 2 cleaners and 2 counsellors. The facility will continue providing a comprehensive primary healthcare package to residents of Schweizer Reneke and surrounding communities.
“The clinic operates from 07:30 to 16:00 on weekdays and from 07:30 to 13:00 on public holidays. The new location was selected with consideration for patients travelling from surrounding townships and farms, particularly those relying on public transport,” he said.
Lekgethwane said the location is approximately 500 metres from the taxi rank, making it accessible to patients who rely on public transport. He said the accessibility requirements for elderly residents and people living with disabilities had also been considered.
“Residents had been informed about the relocation to minimise disruptions and ensure patients knew where to access healthcare services. The community has been continuously informed about the relocation of the clinic and the availability of healthcare services at the new premises.
“While the relocation has been completed, a permanent clinic might be constructed with the current three-year lease serving as an interim arrangement for healthcare delivery in the town,” concluded Lekgethwane.
