Central SA
DA to request parliamentary hearing on Free State’s failing health system─── REFILWE BEKANE 13:00 Wed, 13 Aug 2025

Following a 2022 report by the DA alleging human rights violations at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in the Free State, the party says the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed many of the troubling findings.
The SAHRC’s investigation stemmed from the DA’s initial report in 2022. According to Michele Clarke, DA Spokesperson, the hospital was described as visibly dirty and untidy.
These findings align with the DA’s initial report. The hospital’s senior management reportedly admitted to significant capacity constraints, attributing them in part to budget shortfalls that have left senior positions vacant.
According to DA, SAHRC confirmed that Pelenomi Hospital is in a poor state. Photo supplied
OFM News has previously reported on allegations from employees that mental health patients were not safe at the facility. Staff claimed they were not adequately trained to care for them.
These concerns were reportedly linked to incidents that had led to fatalities. The broader issue of staff shortages extends beyond Pelonomi; Clarke previously highlighted that there is a national shortage of medical staff, amounting to 21,000 vacant positions across provincial health departments.
In light of the SAHRC’s findings, the DA has committed to continuing its oversight duties at the hospital, despite what it describes as hostility from management during a previous visit.
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The party also plans to write to the parliamentary portfolio committee on health chairperson, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, to request the appearance of all relevant parties in parliament to address the crisis.
The SAHRC has also pledged to continue monitoring the hospital to ensure both the provincial department of health and the hospital administration are held accountable and that crucial interventions are implemented.
While the SAHRC’s confirmation of these issues is a significant development, OFM News sought further comment from the commission to confirm the details of the DA’s statement, but received no reply.