Our Health
OurHealth is a project that trains and supports local activists and aspiring health journalists. Our citizen journalists (CJs) live in rural and poorly-covered areas in South Africa, and report on health issues affecting their communities.
Community demands clean water
The people of Skaaprus, almost 10km away from Ermelo, get their water from a stream they share with animals. “We have been struggling to get clean water for the past 25 years,” said Thabsile Bongwe, 57 years old. “The ward…
In praise of support groups
Local clinics extend working hours
Local clinics in the Msukaligwa municipality have extended their working hours to accommodate the growing population in the area. They did this to accommodate those who are unable to attend the clinic between 7am and 4pm because of their jobs…
Rainbow Civils – Wellness on the job
New suppliers blamed for ARV stockouts
Drug stock-outs highlighted at Vhembe imbizos
Pupils inhale teargas in classroom
HIV awareness for Youth Day
Bethlehem marches against tobacco
BETHLEHEM. – On World No Tobacco Day members from the Department of Health (DOH) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district marched through the streets wearing T-shirts with the message “smoking is addictive, don’t start” and shouted “Down with smoking! Down!” “We…
Water supply affected due to water works
The refurbishment of Vondo Water Scheme in Phiphidi village is causing critical water shortages in the Vhembe district. Vhembe District municipal spokesperson Matidzi Ralushai confirmed that the two-month program, which started last week will cause serious water interruptions to the…
Shortage of docs delays MMC in Ermelo
Health facilities in Mpumalanga’s Gert Sibande district are battling to cope with an increase in requests for medical male circumcision (MMC), according to health workers and patients. Debbie Chauke, a nurse at Ermelo Hospital confirmed that they are able to…
‘Sexiest gay in the village’
Rose Msweli (19), also known as Bheki, speaks about living openly as a gay man and being “the sexiest young gay” in Msogwaba outside Nelspruit. A high school dropout, Msweli says changing his name to Rose has given him the…
No progress on Village Clinic
The Lusikisiki community waited in vain last week for a much-anticipated sod turning ceremony, the first promised step towards the new Village Clinic building. According to community members and activists Health MEC Sicelo Gqobana had promised to kick off the…
Limpopo: No ambulances, family hires car
A traumatised family shared details on how they were forced to hire a car to rush a poisoned family member to hospital after they were told there were no ambulances available. It appears as if Mankweng Hospital only has two…