Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has urged the Baphalane community in Ramokokastad, Moses Kotane Local Municipality, not to vandalise their newly constructed clinic when expressing frustration over service delivery challenges.
Mantashe was speaking on Thursday, 22 October 2026, during the official handover of the healthcare facility, constructed by Northam Platinum as part of its Social and Labour Plan (SLP) in Bojanala District Municipality, North West.
Addressing community members, Mantashe urged residents to protect the facility and not allow it to become a target of vandalism whenever they are dissatisfied with service delivery.
He emphasised that the clinic belonged to the community and called on residents to take responsibility for safeguarding it to ensure that it continued to serve its intended purpose.
Mantashe further appealed to the community to ensure that the clinic became a valuable asset that improved access to healthcare services and contributed to residents’ well-being.
The newly constructed facility is equipped with emergency examination rooms, offices, a sputum room, a borehole and medical equipment.
The clinic is expected to improve access to healthcare for the Baphalane community by bringing essential health services closer to residents.
The project forms part of Northam Platinum’s Social and Labour Plan, through which mining companies contribute to the development and well-being of communities in the areas where they operate.
Mantashe’s appeal comes amid broader concerns about the protection of public infrastructure, with communities encouraged to safeguard facilities intended to improve their quality of life, even when raising concerns about service delivery.
The clinic’s successful operation and long-term sustainability will depend on continued cooperation between the community and the relevant authorities to ensure that the facility remains accessible and functional.
