By BAKANG MOKOTO
28 January 2026- The operations severely impacted the Tshepong Hospital on Monday due to floods, allegedly causing the suspension of services, evacuations and damage to infrastructure. It is alleged that the floods affected the casualty area, with long-term issues stemming from drainage problems.
One of the eyewitnesses who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said: “Patients, including those in high-risk areas like maternity, had to be moved and some hospitals faced temporary closure or partial shutdowns.
“We have experienced the same back in 2021, but the North West Department of Health seems not to address this matter. The stormwater systems at the hospital are failing to handle the volume, leading to water entering buildings.”
The North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari said the flooding affected parts of the Emergency Department (Casualty), Outpatient Department and the Radiology Department. Lehari said immediately after the incident, the Hospital Disaster Management Plan was activated, resulting in a swift and coordinated response to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
“Patients in affected areas were promptly assessed and safely relocated to appropriate admission wards and other functional sections of the hospital, including Radiology. Ambulances from other hospitals transferring patients were diverted to Klerksdorp Hospital casualty as a temporary measure.
“Through the collective efforts of hospital staff and emergency services, the Emergency Department was cleared of water and was fully operational again by 3am on 27 January 2026. We commend the rapid response by all involved parties,” he said.
Lehari further said they are encouraged by the decisive and professional manner in which this incident was handled. He added that the immediate activation of disaster management protocols ensured that no patients were harmed and that essential services were restored within hours.
“This reflects our commitment to protecting lives, even under challenging circumstances. Our department reassures the public that the hospital remains fully functional and continues to provide uninterrupted healthcare services to the community,” said Lehari.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Klerksdorp–Tshepong Hospital Complex, Thulane Madonsela, together with the Hospital Executive management had a debriefing session with affected staff members and also expressed appreciation to all responders. Madonsela said he wishes to thank their dedicated Team KT, the local municipal fire department and Kopanong Mine for their prompt assistance and teamwork.
“Their support was instrumental in stabilising the situation and restoring functionality to critical departments. While operations have since normalised, the department acknowledges the need for long-term interventions.
“This is a reoccurring disaster and it has been raised with all key stakeholders before with a view to prevent future occurrences. This incident has now highlighted the urgent need to improve storm water drainage infrastructure at Tshepong Hospital,” he said.
The Guardian 