Frustrated by years of neglect, residents of Valdezia near Elim once again blocked the D4 road between Elim and Malamulele on Tuesday, protesting against severe staff shortages at their local clinic, which they say has only one nurse on duty.
Valdezia, which comprises 10 sub-villages, including Khomanani Block and Mambedi, has repeatedly raised concerns about the clinic's deteriorating condition. Built in 1888 by Swiss missionaries, the facility has not been adequately maintained.
Despite a protest last month, residents say the Limpopo Department of Health has yet to provide a solution. Frustration grew after more patients were turned away because of staff shortages, prompting another demonstration. The clinic also suffers from broken air conditioners and improper medication storage, raising concerns about the effectiveness of treatment. Protesters are demanding urgent intervention.
"We are fed up. Patients stand in long queues, and some are turned away because one nurse can't assist everyone before the clinic closes at 6 p.m. It's frustrating to go to the clinic and leave without help," said resident Tsakani Baloyi.
Described as "small and in poor condition," the clinic also poses health and hygiene risks. Residents cited overgrown bushes and unpleasant odours as further evidence of neglect.
Shortly after the protest, the Department of Health condemned the road blockade, claiming it had forced the clinic to close. However, protesters told Limpopo Mirror that the department had effectively shut it down by failing to provide enough staff. "This is just an excuse," one protester said.
The chairperson of the Valdezia Concern Group, Lucky Mathonsi, criticised the department for its inaction. "After 14 working days, the department ignored us, so we protested. They sent an area manager with no solutions. We feel undermined," he said.
Protesters have called for at least five nurses to be deployed, given Valdezia's growing population, and demanded that Limpopo MEC for Health Dieketseng Mashego address the community directly. They vowed to continue demonstrating until the department responds.
The department said resource limitations made building a new clinic unfeasible. Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana stated that the department had engaged with community representatives and allocated an annual budget for healthcare infrastructure maintenance.
"In response, staff from Valdezia Clinic will be temporarily reassigned to nearby facilities," Shikwambana said, urging the community to cooperate to ensure continued healthcare access.