5 June 2007, Soweto
During the state of the province address on 7 June 2004, we said that: "over the next five years, three new hospitals will be built in the Kathorus area, Mamelodi and Zola." Today's sod turning brings to fruition that commitment. The hospital which is going to be build here, is he same as the one that was supposed to be at Zola. However, due to land availability, the site is now in Jabulani. It is for that reason that the hospital is not going to be known as Jabulani hospital. This being a new institution, I have asked MEC Hlongwa working with MEC Creecy to advise me of an appropriate name.
Also during the state of the province address last year, we said that we would embark on one of the most comprehensive community development programmes in 20 major township of province. We said we would over a period of three years seek to build better communities and upgrade local social and economic infrastructure through the 20 Priority Township Programme. Today we have come to here to fulfil that promise. The Jabulani Hospital that we are launching here today is part of 20 Priority Township initiative. It complements other projects that have been undertaken and those that will be undertaken to transform Soweto into a vibrant, dynamic and sustainable community where people live with decent social amenities and access to economic opportunities.
As I talk to you, work is continuing in other townships to provide tarred roads, parks, decent schools, clinics, sport and recreational facilities, lighting, storm water drains, MPCCs, libraries and taxi ranks. Our intention is to ensure that all areas have vibrant commercial and transport hubs such as the Jabulani Mall that we see across the road and the new Baragwanath bus and taxi rank in Diepkloof.
The level of development that we see in Soweto today - where all the roads have been tarred, where beautiful parks have been constructed and quality of life is improving - is what we envisage for all the 20 Prioritised Townships.
Our aim is to change the lives of our people for the better. That requires us to also pay attention of the quality of heath care we are providing to our people. For a long time now, Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital has been the only hospital serving the community of this township.
The increase in the population and the emergence of new diseases, such HIV and AIDS and the rapid spread of diseases of lifestyle such as diabetes and hypertension, have placed services at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital under pressure.
To alleviate this pressure on Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital and to preserve as an internationally acclaimed teaching institution offering sophisticated solutions to complex health problems, we have embarked on an intensive programme to refurbish and upgrade services at this hospital.
When the revitalisation of Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital is completed, we will be able to offer high quality care using state-of-the-art technology right here in Soweto. Long waiting times will hopefully be a thing of the past because the new Jabulani Hospital will also have opened its doors.
We are also upgrading the Lilian Ngoyi and Lenasia Community Health Centres into small entry level hospitals to improve the quality of health services. These initiatives are being complemented by the refurbishment of clinics, such as the Mandela Sisulu Clinic in Orlando, the Stretford Clinic in Orange Farm, and the Eldorado Park Clinic. This will strengthen the delivery of primary health care services closer to our homes and ensure that minor ailments are taken care of within walking distance from people's houses.
The benefit of these initiatives will not be felt by patients alone. Our health care workers will also benefit from improved working conditions that will exist in these facilities. The technology we are planning to introduce will make it easier to track patient loads and accordingly decide on additional capacity required to alleviate pressure.
As a government we are committed to ensuring that working conditions for our health care workers are improved. We accept that they deserve better. I am aware of that many of our nurses and other allied professionals have joined the current public sector industrial action. I however want to make a special plea for them not to abandon their patients.
In line with the decision of national government to introduce community health workers, the province intends to introduce 3000 well trained community health workers over the end of the current financial year.
I am aware of that many of our nurses and other allied professional have joined the current public sector industrial action. As a former trade unionist I know and understand where they are coming from. In the absence of a limited essential services agreement and in compliance with the court order I wish to however urge them to go back to work. I also want to urge those who are striking and picketing to do so in a peaceful manner without hindering ambulances and those health workers who are at work. I further call on the trade union strike committees to engage with management to ensure proper designated areas for picketing. While the police need to protect property and life, I also call on them to show restraint and not simple charge on workers who are engaged in peaceful protest.
I however remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon so that together we can go on with the important work of public service transformation and service delivery.
I thank you.