The 53-year-old Kgapane Hospital, located in the Greater Letaba Local Municipality, is grappling with significant challenges, including staff shortages and dilapidated infrastructure. These issues were highlighted during an oversight visit by Limpopo’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) on Thursday.
The delegates were informed that Kgapane Hospital, which first opened its doors in 1972, serves patients from 20 clinics within the Greater Letaba Local Municipality. Originally designed to accommodate 262 beds, the hospital’s current capacity has been reduced to just 170 due to deteriorating infrastructure, resulting in a shortfall of 92 beds.
Mrs Raseala, the acting CEO of Kgapane Hospital, expressed concern over the state of the hospital’s kitchen, pharmacy and psychiatric ward. She noted that these critical facilities no longer meet the required standards, owing to the aging infrastructure.
She further reported that the Limpopo Provincial Department of Health is in the process of constructing a new hospital to replace the existing facility. However, she added that the situation is further complicated by the presence of illegal residents on the hospital grounds, a matter that is currently under legal review.
“There is a church operating within our premises, subletting space to approximately 20 tenants. These tenants benefit from subsidised municipal rates and pay a flat-rate fee for utilities, regardless of their actual usage. The hospital is left to cover the difference in costs,” said Mrs Raseala. She also highlighted that the hospital is responsible for providing security services for these tenants.
Mr Malesela Mokwele, leader of the NCOP delegation, commended the hospital management for maintaining a clean facility and ensuring that the pharmacy is well-stocked. He also urged the newly appointed hospital board to prioritise filling the vacant CEO position to ensure stable leadership at the institution.
Regarding staffing, the hospital currently faces a significant vacancy rate, with 40% of core service positions unfilled and 76% of non-core positions vacant. Core services are those essential to diagnosis, treatment and patient care, while non-core services cover administrative functions.
The oversight visit formed part of the NCOP’s National Provincial Week activities in Limpopo, which focused on Mopani District. In addition to Kgapane Hospital, the delegation visited several key sites, including the Middle-Letaba Water Scheme in Olifantshoek Village, the borehole water reticulation project in Thakgalane Village, the precast stormwater installation project in Ga-Mashishimale Village and Maphutha Malatjie Hospital in Namakgale. The delegation will compile a comprehensive report based on their observations, which will include recommendations for addressing the issues raised during the visit.
Justice Molafo
21 November 2025
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