Protect your infrastructure, says Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has implored the community of Alexandra to ‘religiously protect and guard infrastructure that is built to serve and service them’ against any form of vandalism.

Nkomo-Ralehoko delivered a keynote address at the official opening of a state-of-the-art radiology diagnostics centre in Alexandra at the Yaron Building at the Pan Africa Square on November 27.

Known as Open Diagnostics, which has been funded by Swiss company Pristem South Africa, Nkomo-Ralehoko said this service will bring health equity to the community of this township at a much cheaper and much faster rate and thereby dispelling the notion that top-class health care is only available for the wealthy.

“I implore the community to desist from any acts of vandalism and destruction of the facility as witnessed during the July 2021 unrest and looting. You should religiously protect this facility and guard against any form of vandalism as it is a beacon of hope for a better well-being for all.

“You must consider yourselves privileged to have been able to be the first township community in the whole country to have such a facility and I therefore urge you to take a tough stand against vandalism and cherish and make a pledge to uphold its sanctity as it is a journey to a healthier Alex that we all envisage,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
ANC Zone 13 chairperson and Ward 105 councillor Tefo Raphadu, who gave the Alex perspective from the Johannesburg Mayoral Office, described the opening of the radiology facility as a blessing especially taking into account the violent nature of this township, the crime and the numerous vehicle accidents that occur.

“I came here to be part of the change and development that we all envisage for Alex and I would like to add to the MEC’s words and urge our community to embrace and protect this facility for their own good and benefit,” Raphadu said.
The deputy head of the Swiss Mission in South Africa Marino Cuenat said he was happy his Swiss counterparts had seen the need for such a centre in Alexandra as it will not only bring better health opportunities for the township folk but also job opportunities for the locals.

Pristem South Africa CEO Yvonne Motsisi said the opening of the Alex facility will be followed next year by the opening of the Soweto branch at Maponya Mall. She said in the next five years, they hope to expand to many other urban, semi-urban and rural communities of the country.
“We are pro the underserviced people of this country as we strongly believe all people deserve better medical services and this is not a privilege but a right.”