They demand better sanitation as patients are forced to go to the bushes as the toilets at the facility are in a bad condition. The EFF's ward 25 chairperson, Kabelo Mbatha, told OFM News the situation has been ongoing for a year.

OFM News learned that the clinic services more than five villages. Mbatha said this is unacceptable and that they will continue to seek intervention from MEC Madoda Sambatha on the matter.

North West's Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, confirmed to OFM News that the department is aware of the situation. He said the toilets don't belong to the clinic and were built long ago.

Lekgethwane said the department intends to take it down entirely and build a new toilet.

Mbatha says patients shouldn't be in a situation where they have to hide in the bushes when needing to relieve themselves. He said the toilet is now closed with a chain as it's not in any state to be used.

"Patients at the clinic are advised, in the meantime, to use toilets at Gelukspan district hospitals, which is a walking distance," Lekgethwane said.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng