Date: 06 July 2026
By The Youth Voice Reporter
The Mpumalanga Department of Health has strongly rejected allegations made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital has been without hot water for the past four years, describing the claims as false, misleading, and an inaccurate reflection of the hospital’s operations.
The Department clarified that while the hospital experienced intermittent challenges with sections of its water-heating infrastructure over different periods, contingency measures were implemented to ensure that critical services continued without disruption and that patients received quality healthcare. The Department confirmed that hot water is currently available at the hospital.
According to the Department, continuous maintenance and infrastructure improvement programmes have been undertaken to address ageing infrastructure. Over the years, various components of the hospital’s hot water system have been repaired, replaced, and upgraded where necessary.
The Department said claims that the hospital operated without hot water for four consecutive years undermine the dedication of healthcare workers, engineers, artisans, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to keep the facility operational while caring for thousands of patients annually.
Drainage Challenges
The Department acknowledged that the hospital experienced drainage problems on 1 July 2026, particularly in the Mental Health Ward, where a blocked drainage system affected normal operations. However, the blockage was cleared by the Infrastructure Maintenance Hub on the same day, restoring the drainage system to full functionality.
In addition, five toilets in Ward 7 were repaired to improve the condition of the hospital’s ablution facilities.
Linen Availability
The Department also dismissed claims of widespread linen shortages, stating that these allegations lack context and do not reflect the current situation.
It said a substantial consignment of linen was procured late last year, significantly increasing linen stock levels across healthcare facilities in the province. The Department reiterated its commitment to maintaining adequate linen supplies to support quality patient care.
Bed Capacity
Addressing claims of bed shortages, the Department said Rob Ferreira Tertiary Hospital does not have a shortage of beds but faces pressure because many patients bypass clinics and district hospitals to seek treatment directly at the tertiary facility, even for conditions that can be managed at primary healthcare level.
The hospital is designed to provide specialised care for complex and referred cases. When a ward reaches capacity, patients may temporarily wait on stretchers while staff identify available beds in other wards. Where appropriate, stable patients are transferred to nearby district hospitals to accommodate critically ill patients requiring specialised treatment.
The Department urged members of the public to use their nearest clinics, community health centres, or district hospitals as the first point of care and to follow the referral system to ease pressure on specialised healthcare services.
Staffing Challenges
The Department acknowledged shortages in certain specialised nursing fields as the hospital continues expanding its specialised services.
While recruitment is ongoing, specialised nurses in disciplines such as nephrology and oncology remain difficult to recruit due to the scarcity of these skills. The Department said it will continue recruiting and, where necessary, headhunting suitably qualified professionals to strengthen service delivery.
The Mpumalanga Department of Health called on political parties and public representatives to verify information with the Department before making public statements that may create unnecessary concern among communities and patients.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of healthcare infrastructure and services across Mpumalanga.