New healthcare service launched for taxi drivers in Orange Farm

Ribbon cutting at the Mpathy Clinic opening in Orange Farm
Image: Supplied
This Men's Health Month, the question of who looks after those who drive the heart of South Africa's transport system has been strikingly addressed.
In a collaborative effort, Rhiza Babuyile, a prominent non-profit organisation, has teamed up with the Department of Health, Johannesburg Health District Services, and the Orange Farm United Taxi Association (OFUTA) to launch a much-needed healthcare initiative specifically for taxi drivers.
The Mpathy Clinic officially opened its doors at one of Orange Farm's busiest taxi ranks, signalling a valuable addition to the community that prioritises the health needs of one of the most hardworking groups in South Africa.
'Taxi drivers avoid going to a clinic because their working conditions simply don't allow them the time to wait in long queues. With this new service, they'll get treatment fast. Quick in and out, no long lines. It's a quality service, built around their reality,' stated Lerato Seheri, Healthcare Manager at Rhiza Holdings.
The convenience of the newly launched clinic is a game changer for taxi drivers, who often work long hours under pressure.
According to Seheri, the clinic is tailored specifically to accommodate their busy schedules, with consultation fees ranging between R100 and R300, a substantial saving compared to private healthcare costs.
'This clinic meets them where they are and provides them with care without disrupting their day,' she added.
The newly launched Mpathy Clinic in Orange Farm
Image: Supplied
The initiative aligns with South Africa's national 'Closing the Gap' ART Campaign, which aims to identify and support the 1.1 million individuals living with HIV who know their status but have not yet accessed treatment.
Seheri highlighted this as critical, remarking, 'Men are significantly less likely than women to engage with routine health services, often leading to late diagnoses of health conditions that could have been manageable or preventable.'
Mmakobo Gaegake, Programme Manager for HIV, AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Tuberculosis (HAST), echoed these sentiments, underscoring the significance of providing health services at the taxi rank.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

IOL News

an hour ago

• IOL News

Men's Health Month: Why prostate cancer screening is crucial for your health

This Men's Health Month, let's challenge ourselves and those around us to prioritise our health. Prostate cancer isn't just a scary headline or another item on a doctor's checklist - it's a very real, very present risk that could impact you or the men you care about. Every year, thousands of South African men are diagnosed, and the reality is stark: one in eight men here will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. When last did you have an honest conversation about your health? If you're like most South African men, the answer is: not often enough. What should you look for? According to Dr Hannes Brummer and Dr Johan Coetzee, experienced urologists at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, 'Most men don't feel any symptoms until prostate cancer has already progressed. That's why regular screening is so important.' It's easy to put off check-ups, especially when you feel fine. But here's the catch, early-stage prostate cancer almost never shouts for attention. By the time you notice obvious changes, it might already be serious. That's not just a statistic; it's a neighbour, a brother, a father, a friend. To be honest, many of us would rather ignore the quiet warnings our bodies send. But prostate cancer is sneaky - it's called the silent threat for a reason. In South Africa, though, many men only seek help when symptoms are advanced often too late for simple treatments. For most men, early prostate cancer doesn't come with a flashing warning sign. However, changes in urination may indicate other underlying issues Here's what to keep an eye out for, even though these are often caused by less serious issues, like an enlarged prostate (a very common, non-cancerous problem): Difficulty starting or stopping urination A weak urine stream Feeling like your bladder isn't emptying fully Dribbling after urination Needing to go more often, especially at night An urgent need to urinate, sometimes with leaks These symptoms are more often linked to benign conditions, but they're still worth a chat with your GP. The real game changer is early detection. Catching prostate cancer early can save lives. Thanks to advances like the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test, available at most South African GPs, early detection is more possible than ever. Coetzee explains, 'The PSA test is a simple blood test that can pick up signs of trouble before symptoms appear. This gives men a much better chance of treating the cancer while it's still highly curable.' Globally, research shows that countries with higher rates of screening have lower death rates from prostate cancer. In South Africa, though, many men only seek help when symptoms are advanced - often too late for simple treatments. When things get serious If prostate cancer grows outside the prostate or spreads to other parts of the body, the symptoms can become more obvious and serious. These can include: Persistent back, hip or pelvic pain Blood in urine or semen Problems getting or keeping an erection Unexplained weight loss. It's critical to know that these symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, but ignoring them is never the answer. There's a stigma Many of us grew up believing men should just "tough it out" and not talk about personal health. But what's tougher: facing a quick, routine check-up or battling a disease that could have been prevented? Brummer puts it simply: 'Making the time now and every year could help save your life.' This Men's Health Month, let's challenge ourselves and those around us to prioritise our health. Book that screening. Start the conversation. Ask questions. It's not just about you; it's about being there for your family, your community, your future.

IOL News

6 hours ago

• IOL News

Puff, Puff, Pass. . . Outside? – Backlash brews over new proposed smoking laws

The Department of Health's proposed changes to tobacco laws could see smokers face jail time for smoking entjies and e-cigarettes indoors and failing to adhere to other prohibited smoking legislation. Image: Thirdman/Pexels South African liquor traders have raised serious objections to proposed new smoking legislation that would require significant changes to bars, taverns, and restaurants across the country. The legislation, currently being processed by the Department of Health, aims to ban the display advertising of tobacco products, standardise packaging, and introduce stricter controls on e-cigarettes and vaping. While the proposed changes affect the wider hospitality industry, including the ban on vending machines, the biggest challenge lies in where people can smoke. Under the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, smoking would be outlawed indoors and in certain public spaces, forcing patrons to move outside. New regulations also stipulate that designated smoking areas must be located a specific distance from windows, ventilation points, and entryways. The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) expressed concern that this requirement would be completely unworkable in township environments, where many smaller taverns operate. The association said that businesses had already invested in creating compliant smoking spaces after the last revision of the smoking laws, designating 25% of their floor space for this purpose. The new legislation, it argued, would force businesses to spend even more to build new spaces or risk falling foul of the regulations. 'The Minister has discretion over this distance, but the Department of Health previously suggested 10 metres. This provision is totally unworkable in a township environment,' the GLTA said. The association added that staff would be required to leave the building to smoke, potentially leaving the venue vulnerable to security threats and affecting employee productivity. Similar concerns apply to patrons, who might be forced to move to isolated areas where they could be at risk of crime. Although the GLTA focused its concerns on smaller, informal traders, it warned that all businesses with designated smoking areas would be impacted, regardless of their location, and would face increased costs. The impact on the illicit cigarette trade Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) argued that making it harder for businesses to operate legally could drive more traders towards the black market. According to BACSA, the illicit tobacco market already accounts for 60–70% of sales, costing the national budget roughly R18bn each year. The group warned that the draft legislation lacks enforcement measures to combat the illegal trade and does not provide tools such as track‑and‑trace systems or improved border controls. The GLTA also pointed out that the new laws create the risk of increased corruption, especially given that certain elements within the police have been known to solicit bribes. It stated that making it a criminal offence for businesses to fail to spot an errant smoker would only create further opportunities for exploitation. Penalties 'The penalty for smoking in a banned area is three months in prison, and/or a fine. The penalty for smoking near a non‑smoking employee is ten years in prison and/or a fine." The association noted that there are more serious crimes for the authorities to focus on in South Africa. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

IOL News

7 hours ago

• IOL News

South African taverns and bars voice strong opposition to new anti-smoking regulations

The Department of Health's proposed changes to tobacco laws could see smokers face jail time for smoking entjies and e-cigarettes indoors and failing to adhere to other prohibited smoking legislation. South African liquor traders have raised serious objections to proposed new smoking legislation that would require significant changes to bars, taverns, and restaurants across the country. The legislation, currently being processed by the Department of Health, aims to ban the display advertising of tobacco products, standardise packaging, and introduce stricter controls on e-cigarettes and vaping. While the proposed changes affect the wider hospitality industry, including the ban on vending machines, the biggest challenge lies in where people can smoke. Under the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, smoking would be outlawed indoors and in certain public spaces, forcing patrons to move outside. New regulations also stipulate that designated smoking areas must be located a specific distance from windows, ventilation points, and entryways. The Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) expressed concern that this requirement would be completely unworkable in township environments, where many smaller taverns operate. The association said that businesses had already invested in creating compliant smoking spaces after the last revision of the smoking laws, designating 25% of their floor space for this purpose. The new legislation, it argued, would force businesses to spend even more to build new spaces or risk falling foul of the regulations. 'The Minister has discretion over this distance, but the Department of Health previously suggested 10 metres. This provision is totally unworkable in a township environment,' the GLTA said. The association added that staff would be required to leave the building to smoke, potentially leaving the venue vulnerable to security threats and affecting employee productivity. Similar concerns apply to patrons, who might be forced to move to isolated areas where they could be at risk of crime. Although the GLTA focused its concerns on smaller, informal traders, it warned that all businesses with designated smoking areas would be impacted, regardless of their location, and would face increased costs.