Tshwane restores electricity at Weskoppies Hospital after commitment to settle debt
The city of Tshwane has restored electricity at Weskoppies Hospital after the department of health committed to settling a R1.2m debt in overdue electricity charges.
On Monday, the city cut off electricity supply due to the outstanding debt, sparking a backlash from the public.
The department of health clarified payment processing was under way, but delays occurred due to the transition to the new financial year.
'The hospital normally makes additional payments to ensure continuous electricity supply, but this time it could not do so,' said health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
'The owed amount is being processed for payment. Yesterday [Monday] the department processed R3.8m to the city [for] other facilities in Tshwane. The money was scheduled for payment [for Monday] as part of the payment run to service providers.'
Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed the city would proceed with reconnecting power.
The health department confirmed power was restored at the hospital on Tuesday after the agreement with the city.
Moya said the city had previously agreed not to disconnect services but had to act due to nonpayment.
'The city did not act without due process,' Moya said.
'In good faith, we previously agreed not to proceed with disconnection, recognising the department of health's financial year-end in March and accepting their assurance payment would be made in early April. Despite many follow-ups, no payment was received, leaving the city with no alternative but to act.'
The decision to disconnect electricity at the hospital was met with criticism, with many accusing the city of being insensitive to the potential impact on patients. Moya said the decision was not taken lightly.
'We are sensitive to the critical role hospitals play and deeply respect the work of healthcare professionals, and the duty of care owed to the most vulnerable in our society. However, the city has a responsibility to apply its credit control measures fairly and consistently across all customers, including government departments.'
She assured residents the hospital's backup power system had been functioning during the disconnection, ensuring patient care was not severely impacted.
'I would not have allowed the disconnection if it would have left the facility without power and the subsequent impact on patient care.'
Government departments owe the city more than R1.6bn. Moya emphasised the importance of recovering the funds to deliver quality services and restore Tshwane's financial health.
She said it's the city's responsibility to apply credit control measures fairly and consistently across all customers, including government departments.
'It is only fair credit control measures are applied consistently, and all customers are treated equally. This approach strengthens the city's finances and protects the integrity of our service delivery systems.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Gauteng Health sounds alarm over measles outbreak
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has intensified its public health response following a continued rise in measles cases across the province. • Also read: West Rand's emergency medical services (EMS) under pressure: One responder for every 900 residents Motalatale Modiba, head of communications at GDoH, stated that there have been 181 confirmed cases reported between January 1 and June 13, with numerous cases emerging from the Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni districts. 'This persistent outbreak follows previous clusters dating back to 2022, which led to a measles vaccination campaign in 2023. In the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, 10 of which were reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in West Rand. The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, specifically among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine,' Modiba said. Modiba added that the immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in Johannesburg, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. This has contributed to the steady increase in cases, including among people who had previously been vaccinated, and even some adults. 'In the Johannesburg district, the department implemented a targeted response by vaccinating contacts and conducting outbreak campaigns in areas including Diepsloot, Midrand, Cosmo City, Hillbrow, and Rosettenville. To date, more than 3,500 people have been vaccinated in the district, with further campaigns scheduled for busy community sites including the Diepsloot and Cosmo City taxi ranks. The West Rand and Sedibeng districts, while not currently experiencing outbreaks, remain on high alert. 'GDoH is working closely with districts to strengthen surveillance, ensure rapid response, and improve vaccination coverage. The department is expected to embark on a comprehensive four-week province-wide vaccination campaign as part of broader intervention activities,' Modiba said. The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has urged all parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, encouraging them to work with health teams conducting school and community campaigns. 'We must close the immunity gap in our communities and prevent further spread of the highly contagious diseases, particularly measles and rubella. Vaccination is simple, safe, and is our best protection against harmful diseases. We encourage everyone to support our outreach teams and protect our children's health,' Nkomo-Ralehoko stated. The public is reminded that people who are infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. 'All suspected cases are provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications. The department remains committed to containing the spread of measles and rubella in the province and urges the public to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them,' Modiba concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Pretoria sees sharp rise in measles cases
Pretoria is facing a surge in measles cases, with the majority of new infections reported in hotspot areas such as Mamelodi and Winterveld. In response, the Gauteng Department of Health has intensified its vaccination campaign across schools and communities in Tshwane, aiming to close the growing immunity gap and prevent further spread of the highly contagious disease. According to spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, in the latest reporting period, Gauteng recorded 15 new measles cases, with 10 reported in Tshwane, two in Johannesburg, two in Ekurhuleni, and one in the West Rand. 'The outbreak remains active in specific hotspot areas including Mamelodi and Winterveld in Tshwane, where 35 and 10 cases have been reported respectively.' Modiba said the department has embarked on an aggressive targeted vaccination campaign in schools, with over 18,000 learners vaccinated to date in more than 15 schools in Mamelodi and 16 schools in Winterveld. 'In response, Inter-facility immunisation has also commenced, offering measles-rubella booster doses to all age groups regardless of prior vaccination history. 'The outbreak has revealed a concerning immunity gap in the province, particularly among children who are either not fully vaccinated or have never received the measles or rubella vaccine.' He said immunisation coverage for the second dose of the measles vaccine remains below 75% in both Johannesburg and Tshwane, significantly below the level required to prevent outbreaks. 'There have been 16 reported hospital admissions linked to measles in Tshwane, all of whom have since been discharged. No deaths have been reported.' Modiba said health facilities have been instructed to isolate positive cases and vaccinate close contacts immediately. 'The public is reminded that individuals infected with measles must isolate at home for at least seven days to prevent further transmission. All suspected cases are provided with Vitamin A supplements to reduce the risk of complications. 'The department remains committed to containing the spread of measles and rubella in the province and urges the public to remain vigilant, get vaccinated, and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and those around them.' Measles symptoms show up around 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. The first symptoms usually are: High Fever, Dry cough. Runny nose. Red, watering eyes, called conjunctivitis. About 2 to 3 days after the first symptoms, you also may see tiny white spots inside the mouth, called Koplik spots. About 3 to 5 days after symptoms first start, or about 14 days after you come into contact with the virus, it's common to see a rash. The rash is made up of large, flat spots and small raised bumps. The rash starts on the face or neck and spreads down the body from the chest to the arms and legs. A person with measles can spread the virus four days before the rash appears and four days after. Measles can spread very easily. Also read: Tax Season 2025: Here is everything you should know Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- The Citizen
Wordplay won't save patients' lives
Surgical waiting lists in Gauteng are called dynamic, but cancer patients can't wait months for life-saving treatment. It is extraordinary that Gauteng department of health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba concedes there are 34 528 patients on surgical waiting lists across public hospitals in the province, but denies that's a backlog. He says 'it is important to differentiate between surgical backlogs and waiting lists' because the waitlist 'is a dynamic figure as it fluctuates when new patients are registered on the waiting list and when surgeries are performed'. That's bound to be of some comfort to the people with life-threatening conditions – such as cancer patients – who have been told they will have to wait up to eight months to go to theatre. One man we spoke to doesn't have that time… he will probably be dead before getting to the front of the queue. ALSO READ: Over 34 000 patients waiting for surgeries in Gauteng's public hospitals The clever wordplay does not disguise the fact that our government hospitals – especially in Gauteng – are a sluggish, overburdened mess. No doubt the ANC will prescribe a stiff dose of National Health Insurance to cure these ills. But all we can see is the massive amounts of money squeezed out of salary earners for the scheme will be squandered or stolen. Whistle-blower Babita Deokaran discovered that at Tembisa Hospital – and paid for her bravery with her life. NOW READ: Getting help with Botox
