GOOD statement by Bongani Sonqwenqwe,
GOOD Overberg District Councillor
21 February 2025
The GOOD Party is calling for an urgent investigation into the Swellendam Railton Clinic fire. The clinic suffered severe damage on the 18th February and has closed as a result. According to the Western Cape Health Department it will take 9 -12 months for the facility to reopen.
Railton Clinic offers primary healthcare services such as women’s health, child health, mental health, oral health and rehabilitation services, as well as infectious disease treatment, and curative and chronic care. Patients have been asked to use Swellendam clinic which is almost 3 kms away and already has a full patient load.
The Western Cape Health Department has asked patients to exercise patience as the staff at Swellendam Clinic navigate the additional patient load.
As GOOD we have written to the Overberg District Municipality Manager to call for a full investigation into the fire, including health and safety protocols that should have been in place to mitigate and contain such an incident.
No resident should have limited access to health treatment.
Media enquiries:
Bongani Sonqwenqwe, Overberg District Councillor
Cell: 083 6911173
Email: sonqwenqwe@gmail.com
Samantha Jackson, GOOD: Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 5509875
Email: samantha@forgood.org.za