GEORGE NEWS - A new clinic opened its doors in Thembalethu last week, bringing much-needed relief for this community of more than 50 000 people who have had to make do with only one health facility up till now.

The Kuyasa Clinic, situated next to Thembalethu High in Qhawa Street, Zone 9, was funded by the Isisombululo programme, Hasso Plattner Foundation, University of Cape Town and Western Cape Government Health.

The name Kuyasa, meaning 'sunrise', was chosen by the community. Community members were lined up early on Wednesday 15 January to be the first to see and utilise the new facility.

Twenty-three-year-old Nosipho Mankeaya and her daughter Awake were among the first clients to visit the clinic for a routine check-up and she commented, "I am extremely happy that I don't have to wake up so early to attend the clinic. It is much closer to where I live than the other clinic." Nadia Ferreira, media liaison officer for Western Cape Health, said the building was designed to be inviting and colourful so as to uplift the mood among patients.

"It had been determined that there was a vital need for an additional health facility in Thembalethu, given that currently there is only one day hospital serving this community."

Planning for the new clinic was initiated through discussions between the Isisombululo Programme, Western Cape Government Health and the George Municipality more than three years ago. After an extensive planning and approval process, construction of the clinic began in May last year.

"Consultations with the local community were ongoing and support from all the role players was sought. Through the active support of the Department of Public Works, the construction team, made up of Semper Prima Builders and various technical professionals, were able to finish the building project in just six months."

Western Cape Health Minister Theuns Botha said the facility will strive to provide quality health services. "Every new facility means that we are bringing improved service delivery and redressing the imbalances of the past. That is true progress and development.
"The Kuyasa Clinic construction project represents a unique partnership between funders, academia, local and provincial government, and the community of Thembalethu in order to provide a first rate health facility for a community in a previously disadvantaged area."

The clinic is nurse-managed and is open weekdays from 07:30 to 16:30.
An official opening will be held later this year.

• The Isisombululo Programme has implemented over 40 sub-projects in nine years, which have contributed dramatically to the support of HIV/Aids and TB prevention, treatment and care services for communities in the Southern Cape and Eden district.
* 'n Nuwe kliniek het verlede week sy deure in Sone 9 in Thembalethu oopgemaak. 'n Behoefte aan nog 'n kliniek is drie jaar gelede geïdentifiseer in dié gemeenskap van meer as 50 000 mense wat tot op hede deur net een daghospitaal bedien is.


The newly built Kuyasa Clinic in Zone 9.

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