On Thursday 14 May 2026 stakeholders and dignitaries from the Health Department and various role players in government and society descended to the Mpathy clinic in Soweto, a stone’s throw from the Naledi hall where the program relaunch took place. The well attended official handover of a low cost Primary Health Care clinic to Sr Sindiswa Nhlabathi could not have come at a better time as the community bracing the cold winter are the main beneficiaries of the much-needed efficient primary healthcare.
The new clinic forms part of the growing Mpathy Network of nurse led primary healthcare clinics, designed to bring affordable, reliable, and community based healthcare services closer to underserved communities. The Naledi Clinic currently already provides primary health services, strengthening preventative care, early detection of health conditions, and continuity of care for residents in the area.
Mpathy Clinics operate on a model that combines professional healthcare delivery with local ownership. Each clinic is run by a qualified nurse or an entrepreneur and supported by the broader Mpathy Network, ensuring clinical excellence alongside strong operational and business support.
Compered by ward 20 committee member in Naledi Oubase Mashiloane the who serves under the portfolio of Economic Development, addressed the audience stating that, “the clinic has indeed been established close to the people, where previously they had to travel to neighbouring locations to access their healthcare.”
In her keynote address coupled with loud cheering and applause from the audience, the ecstatic Sister Sindiswa Nhlabathi mentioned that, “having grown up in Zola, “I wanted to give back to the communities close to my heart and the clinic is just proximal in Naledi!” She attributes her most support from the elderly patients, the Gogo’s that raised her. “My clinic runs on a low cost and in-spite of operational demands we afford we offer a 50% less for our senior citizens.” She mentions. “It’s not about making profit but prioritizing our patients’ needs. I’m inspired and encouraged in taking this responsibility in our community to innovate and change the perspective of primary health care to deliver and administer improved service. Working with Mpathy and Rhiza together we thrive to achieve the responsibilities afforded to us with the support of the Department of Health and the City of Joburg.”
Mojalefa Makae leading the City of Joburg’s HAST (HIV/AIDS, STI and TB) programme, mentioned that as the health hub in the City they work with and support the Rhiza Babuile NPO initiatives to deliver services to the people in communities. “We partner with Rhiza in facilitating the implementation of the programs effectively pertaining to primary health care having achieved mobilizing the establishment of such similar structures in other Gauteng locations.” Makae further stated that, “looking at the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) which is mainly based on primary healthcare, these are some of the opportunities that such clinics will help reduce the workload on our government facilities although minimal but the little that is done will go a long way. Furthermore, is also goes toward empowering of our nursing sisters in communities giving quality healthcare to the public.”
From the Rhiza Organization Professional Nurse Nompumelelo Mudalohothe relates that her responsibilities are giving support and managing all Mpathy clinics. She explains that their clinics are Nurse led, consequently moving from Nurse-led to Nursepreneur or Nurse-owned. “Today’s event is an induction where Sister Sindiswa moves from leading towards owning the clinic, while she still has working relations and support from Rhiza. The highlight of the support from the Department of Health is the men’s programme ‘Indoda Wednesday’ focussing on men’s health and related issues.”
Speaking on the launch, Linda Dunkley, the Managing Director from Rhiza Ventures which Mpathy falls under, highlighted the importance of community based healthcare:“The relaunch of the Naledi clinic reflects our commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible, dignified and local. By bringing services closer to where people live, we support healthier communities and improved health outcomes.”
The highly successful event with momentous speeches arrived at a final watershed juncture as Gauteng Health District Director Dr Nthabiseng Metsing presented the official handover to Sr Sindiswa Nhlabathi, a stepping stone in affordable quality healthcare services. Residents of Naledi and surrounding areas are encouraged to make use of the clinic’s services and to engage with available preventative and health promotion interventions.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
