POLOKWANE – While the Limpopo Central Academic Hospital project will provide jobs to many, it will not in itself end the unemployment crisis. Instead of promising people jobs or business, people should be told that the hospital’s success more than anything, will be measured by the lives that will be saved in the future.
These were words of Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla during the sod-turning ceremony at the site next to Edupark in Polokwane on Tuesday, where the state-of-the-art hospital is envisioned for completion in 2026 at a cost of R4.5b.
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Representatives from the business community and other civil society groups attended the event alongside dignitaries including ministers Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (Presidency), Dr Aaron Motsoaledi (Home Affairs), acting Limpopo premier and Treasury MEC Seaparo Sekoati, MEC Naledi Sibanda-Kekana (Sport, Arts and Culture) and Dr Phophi Ramathuba (Health), University of Limpopo vice-chancellor, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong and Mayor John Mpe.
Although around 2 000 locals and the SADC region will benefit from the construction phase only, this only scratches the surface of the current unemployment rate of the province recorded as the highest in the country at 49% during the 2022 fourth-quarter labour force survey by Stats SA.
During its operation, a range of rare specialists will be roped in to provide procedures that are currently not being provided around Limpopo.
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Phaahla says not being honest about this “hard pill to swallow” in terms of promised jobs, will result in the project being halted by those who request that false promises of employment made to them be delivered upon.
“The last thing I want to hear is the project coming to a halt because someone lied and the youths, locals or employees are protesting,” he said. “Everyone must take accountability and do their part.”
Ramathuba shared her sentiments, saying her department would not hesitate to pursue legal action against those interfering with the progress of the project.
“Before you disrupt, just know Phophi will interdict you,” she said.
Limpopo Business Forum member and youth activist, Beef Nkoana said they would nevertheless monitor that the proper channels are followed in the awarding of sub-contracts and employment by government stakeholders.
“Otherwise, young people who would feel sidelined are going to demonstrate for justice to prevail,” he said. “SMMEs and residents must benefit duly before they threaten us with the law.”
In May, Premier Chupu Mathabatha handed over the 25 hectares of land near Edupark and the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex in Webster street, to Senza Contractors for the construction of the quaternary hospital.
Instead of the initial time frame of five years starting next year, the contractor committed to hand over the keys by Christmas 2026.
