Matikwana Hospital Strengthens Community Ties Through Open Day

Matikwana Hospital opened its doors to the public on Friday, 7 November 2025, for its annual Open Day — a day dedicated to strengthening the bond between the hospital and the community it serves.

The event aimed to educate residents about the hospital’s services, achievements, and innovations while encouraging health awareness and community involvement.

Matikwana Hospital CEO, Matilda Makukule, said the initiative was meant to bridge the gap between the hospital and the people it serves.

“We want the public to learn about the hospital and its services,” she explained. “We don’t want the hospital to be operating alone and the community operating alone. This day is about showcasing our work, engaging with the community, and promoting health awareness.”

Various health stations were set up on the hospital premises, where visitors could undergo basic health screenings, receive health information, and ask questions about their wellbeing. Among the key focuses of the day was the Sazise campaign, which encourages patients to bring their identity documents when visiting the hospital to ensure proper record-keeping and service categorisation.

Chairperson of the Matikwana Hospital Board, Given Nikiwe Ngobeni, highlighted the governance aspect of the event, stating that it forms part of the hospital’s accountability to the community.

“As the board, we act as the mouth and ears of the public and liaise directly with the MEC. This open day reflects good governance and transparency, which is why it is held annually,” said Ngobeni.

Local leaders also commended the hospital’s progress. Ward Councillor Bio Mpangana said the Open Day provided an opportunity for residents to see the hospital’s positive developments and take an active role in monitoring their own health.

“The hospital is doing very well. This day allows the public to appreciate that progress and check the status of their health,” he said.

Adding to the celebrations, Bushbuckridge Executive Mayor, Cllr Lydia Moroane, visited the maternity ward, where she presented care packages to new mothers in honour of their newborns.

In support of the hospital’s efforts, Old Mutual donated whiteboards and additional care packages for children admitted to the hospital, further demonstrating community partnership and corporate involvement in healthcare development.

The day concluded with an atmosphere of unity and shared responsibility, reminding all that quality healthcare thrives when communities and institutions work hand in hand.