IN CONVERSATION WITH TUMELO TSHABALALA

An oversight visit conducted by Xolani Khumalo and Emma More has raised serious concerns about the safety of staff and patients at the Springs Clinic in Ekurhuleni. The facility, reportedly built on top of a former mine, is now facing a critical safety risk due to a developing mine shaft collapse, which has created a hazardous environment for both healthcare workers and patients. Following the visit, concerns were raised that repeated warnings from facility management have not been adequately addressed by the City of Ekurhuleni. This has led to calls for urgent intervention, including the immediate relocation of clinic staff and operations to a safer facility. It is alleged that cost considerations have been prioritised over urgent safety interventions, despite visible structural instability and increasing risks to occupants. Staff at the clinic have reportedly expressed fear for their safety and have called for alternative arrangements to ensure both their protection and the continuity of healthcare services. Stakeholders have warned that continued inaction could result in serious harm or loss of life, and have urged the municipality to take immediate steps to address the crisis. The matter is expected to be escalated in council, where a motion will reportedly be tabled calling for the urgent relocation of the facility’s operations and staff to ensure safety and service continuity. Instagram · Twitter