She adds that this poses a challenge for patients with disabilities who need to use the disabled toilets. “Patients with disabilities sometimes have to wait longer to use the toilet because able-bodied patients are using the disabled toilets,” Mazibuko says.
One common theme across the clinics in eThekwini is the lack of urgency in addressing these sanitation issues. Patients and staff alike expressed frustration with the slow response from management in fixing broken toilets, providing adequate supplies, and ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for patients.
Thandeka Zulu*, a cleaner at Clermont Clinic, says she often feels overwhelmed by the state of the restrooms. “It is really hard to keep the restrooms clean when there’s no water for days. I try my best to clean but sometimes it’s just too much,” she says.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal remains committed to addressing these issues. Spokesperson Sizwe Kheswa says they are aware of the challenges faced by clinics in eThekwini and are working to improve the situation.
“We are in the process of implementing a maintenance plan to address the broken toilets and lack of supplies in our clinics. We are also working on ensuring that there is a consistent supply of water to all our facilities,” Kheswa says.
Limpopo
The situation in Limpopo is not much different from that in Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Patients at clinics in the Vhembe District have also had to contend with broken toilets, lack of soap and toilet paper, and overall poor sanitation conditions.
Many patients reported having to bring their own supplies when visiting the clinics, as they could not rely on the facilities to provide them. This has led to a sense of distrust and dissatisfaction among patients who expect better from their healthcare providers.
Nurse Thandi Maluleke* works at Malamulele Clinic and says the lack of basic hygiene supplies is a major concern. “It is disheartening to see patients struggle to access basic necessities like soap and toilet paper. As healthcare workers, we want our patients to feel comfortable and cared for, but the current situation makes it difficult,” she says.
Patients like Thabo Mabuza, who uses Tshivhumbe Clinic, express frustration at the state of the restrooms. “It is unacceptable that we have to bring our own supplies to a health facility. We expect the clinic to provide these basic necessities for us,” Mabuza says.
Despite these challenges, the Department of Health in Limpopo is working to improve the sanitation conditions in clinics across the province. Spokesperson Nomvula Mokwena says they have implemented a plan to address the issues raised by patients and staff.
“We are committed to ensuring that all our clinics have adequate sanitation facilities, including clean and functional toilets, hand washing stations, and supplies like soap and toilet paper. We understand the importance of good hygiene in healthcare settings and are taking steps to address the challenges faced by our clinics,” Mokwena says.
Overall, the state of sanitation in public clinics in Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo is concerning. Patients and staff alike are struggling with broken toilets, lack of supplies, and poor hygiene conditions. It is essential for healthcare facilities to provide a clean and safe environment for patients to receive care. The Department of Health must prioritize improving sanitation facilities in clinics to ensure the well-being of patients and staff.
Patients with disabilities face additional challenges when accessing healthcare facilities, as highlighted by a recent investigation by Health-e News. One patient at the KwaMashu Community Health Centre expressed frustration over the misuse of disabled toilets by able-bodied individuals. The patient reported that male patients often fail to clean up after using the facilities, leaving behind unsanitary conditions for disabled individuals. Despite raising concerns with security personnel at the facility, no action was taken to address the issue.
In Limpopo, similar concerns were raised at clinics in the Capricorn District Municipality and the Waterberg District Municipality. Users complained about the lack of toilet paper, poor hygiene, and inadequate cleanliness in the facilities. Many patients noted that they would not return to clinics with unsanitary toilets, opting to risk their health rather than use substandard facilities. Women and men alike expressed feeling unsafe when using the toilets at primary healthcare facilities in Limpopo.
One patient, Chego Sema, shared her disappointment with the conditions at the Seshego Zone 3 clinic, citing the absence of toilet paper, water for handwashing, and inadequate privacy due to broken doors. Jacqueline Maha, a cleaner at Rethabile Health Centre in Polokwane, highlighted the challenges faced by staff in maintaining cleanliness due to shortages of cleaning supplies and staff.
Lesiba Monyaki, the provincial chairperson of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA), acknowledged the shortage of general workers and the delayed replacement of essential items like soap and toilet paper. The Limpopo Department of Health responded to these concerns, stating that while toilet paper and utilities are regularly supplied to facilities, maintenance issues are being addressed based on the urgency of the matter.
Overall, the investigation revealed significant challenges in maintaining clean and hygienic toilet facilities at healthcare centres in Limpopo. Patients with disabilities, in particular, face added difficulties due to the misuse of disabled toilets by able-bodied individuals. The Department of Health and municipal authorities must work together to ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped with adequate resources and staff to maintain proper hygiene standards. Patients are advised to bring their essentials, such as toilet paper and sanitiser, when visiting clinics in Limpopo to ensure a safe and sanitary experience. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky as people bustled about the town square, going about their daily business. The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter.
In the center of the square, a group of musicians had set up their instruments and were playing a lively tune that had people tapping their feet and swaying to the music. Children ran around, chasing each other and playing games, while couples sat on benches, enjoying the warm weather and each other’s company.
As the day wore on, the square began to fill up with vendors selling their wares. There were stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade crafts, and delicious pastries. The air was filled with the tantalizing scent of grilled meat and spices as food vendors cooked up a storm, attracting hungry customers with the promise of a delicious meal.
The square was a place of community and connection, where people from all walks of life came together to socialize, shop, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It was a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with vendors offering goods from all corners of the world.
As the sun began to set, the square took on a magical quality, with twinkling fairy lights illuminating the space and casting a warm glow over the festivities. The musicians played on, their music filling the air with joy and excitement.
As the evening wore on, the square slowly emptied out as people made their way home, their hearts full of happy memories of a day spent in the heart of their beloved town. The square was a place of connection and community, a place where people came together to celebrate life and enjoy each other’s company. And as the last notes of music faded into the night, the square fell silent, waiting for the next day’s adventures to begin.
