Pay the News
Dora Nginza problems being addressed, MEC says after damning report.
The Herald – Monday 2 June
Background from the article:
The public protector has rapped the Department of Health over the knuckles for its failure to provide adequate equipment and personnel at Dora Nginza Hospital in Neson Mandela Bay, which has left the institution, its staff, and patients in several life—and—death situations. Public Protector advocate Kholeka Gcaleka slammed the shortage of staff and medical equipment at the Hospital, as well as inadequate security and insufficient space in the maternity ward, forcing pregnant women to sleep on the floor. She said the root of the malaise was a “serious structural problem in the Eastern Cape health department”, and stipulated a series of rectification deadlines.. In response, Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa said she appreciated the public protector's “constructive criticism” and that she was already addressing some of the problem areas. Department spokesperson Siswe Kupelo said the MEC wished to reassure Eastern Cape Residents that all health challenges brought to her attention through her visits to health facilities, and those highlighted by chapter 9 institutions and other stakeholders, were high on her agenda and receiving attention.
More information from the Public Protectors Report:
The Public Protector’s report, issued around May 30, 2025, outlined specific rectification deadlines for the Eastern Cape Department of Health to address issues at Dora Nginza Hospital:
Within 60 calendar days (by approximately July 29, 2025): The Head of the Eastern Cape Department of Health must submit a report/plan, including dates and timelines, detailing how the provision of security inside the hospital wards will be addressed.
Within 90 calendar days (by approximately August 27, 2025): The Head of the Department must submit an action plan outlining how the remedial actions, including addressing critical shortages of medical and non-clinical staff, will be implemented.
Within 120 calendar days (by approximately September 26, 2025): The Department must submit detailed plans with timelines for the establishment or conversion of Empilweni TB Hospital into a District Hospital to alleviate pressure on Dora Nginza Hospital.
Find the report here: https://bit.ly/4kRwsBF
People to Pray for:
Ntandokazi Capa – Department of Health MEC Eastern Cape Government
Prayer Guidelines
• For Comfort and Dignity for Patients, Especially in the Maternity Ward
Scripture: Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Prayer: Compassionate Father, we bring before You the patients at Dora Nginza Hospital, especially pregnant women forced to sleep on the floor due to insufficient space. As You promise in Psalm 34:18, draw near to them, restoring their dignity and comfort. Move the authorities to expand the maternity ward and provide adequate facilities for their care.
• For Leadership and Structural Reform in the Health Department
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, we pray for Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, spokesperson Siswe Kupelo, and the Eastern Cape Department of Health leadership. Grant them wisdom and humility to address the “serious structural problem” identified by the Public Protector. As Proverbs 3:5-6 directs, may they trust in You, meeting the rectification deadlines with integrity and efficiency for the good of all.
• For Diligence and Accountability in Meeting All Deadlines
Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa, spokesperson Siswe Kupelo, and all involved in meeting these critical deadlines. As Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, may they work diligently and wholeheartedly, as unto You. Hold them accountable to act swiftly and effectively, honoring their commitment to the people of the Eastern Cape.
Compiled by GAP Ministries
Free to share
Visist the "Pray the News" index page here