The visit, which took place on 2 July 2025, uncovered a number of infrastructure failures and operational inefficiencies, sparking alarm over the well-being of both patients and staff at the facility.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted was the dire state of the hospital’s laundry services. The committee found large piles of unwashed linen and patient clothing accumulating in the laundry room, a direct result of insufficient washing and drying equipment. 

“There is only one small and one large industrial washing machine in working condition and only three working tumble dryers that cannot handle the full load coming from a single washing cycle,” the report stated. This has led to a significant backlog and, subsequently, a shortage of clean linen and clothes for patients.

Washing machines are out of service at Witrand Psychriatic Hospital. Photo: Facebook/North West DA

The DA’s North West spokesperson on Health, Hendriëtte van Huyssteen, voiced deep concern about the implications of this situation.

“The interim solution is for washing to be loaded onto a truck and taken to Klerksdorp or Mahikeng to be washed, a solution that is not sustainable,” she said. Despite staff members working tirelessly to contain the crisis, “large bags of dirty laundry can be seen all over the washing room,” she added.

In a bid to prompt remedial action, the DA has submitted a comprehensive report to Health MEC Sello Lehari, the Head of Department (HOD) Obakeng Mongale, and Karabo Magagane, Chairperson of the Portfolio on Health and Social Development. “To remedy such shortcomings falls outside the budget and procurement limitations of the hospital itself and must be procured through the provincial department,” Van Huyssteen emphasised.

Patients’ laundry piling up as all washing machines are not operational at Witrand Psychriatic Hospital in North West. Photo: Facebook

Additional infrastructure concerns include the breakdown of critical systems necessary for food preparation and patient comfort. 

The hospital’s industrial boilers, used to generate steam for kitchen appliances and laundry roller irons, have reportedly been out of order for around three years. 

As a result, gas cookers have replaced steam-powered kitchen equipment, roller irons remain idle, and the hospital had to purchase 43 geysers to supply hot water. Patient rooms, meanwhile, remain unheated – a major concern, particularly during the winter months.

Security within the hospital’s food preparation and delivery areas is another area lacking critical support, according to Van Huyssteen.

 “Food production and delivery areas are also not equipped with CCTV cameras, creating a gap in the safety and security of these areas, leaving them vulnerable to opportunists and thieves,” she said. She stressed the urgency of installing surveillance systems: “Every gram of food stolen is a gram of food that does not reach the intended patient.”

Tebogo Lekgethwane, Director of Media and Communication for the North West Department of Health, confirmed that the department is aware of the issues raised. He noted that MEC Sello Lehari had already conducted two oversight visits to Witrand Hospital as part of his “Re Bona Ka Matlho” programme before the DA’s visit. The department has already initiated investigations into the reports.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi