Sale of GF Jooste Hospital site lashed by community

THE Manenberg community has slammed the sale of the GF Jooste Hospital site, saying they were not consulted.

Last week it was announced that the site had been sold to the City to use as a law enforcement training facility. GF Jooste was closed down last year, two years after the provincial government promised that by next year a bigger and more efficient hospital would be built.

Officials said there was a plan to build a regional hospital for the area, but they could not propose a budget and still had to identify a site.

Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said it could be about R3 billion. A business plan is to be developed by next year.

The Manenberg Steering Committee, assembled to communicate with the city and province on behalf of the community, said the site had been sold without consulting the community.

“Why is the need prioritised for a metro police academy? This did not come from the community and we do not envision how this academy will add value to the prevention of violence in Manenberg.”

The committee said changes to the development plan were not discussed with the Manenberg community. They also questioned a budget around the development.

“What are the line departments’ priorities for Manenberg for the 2015/2016 financial year?” the committee asked.

Steering committee chair Melanie Manual said: “The hospital played a fundamental role for the community. If you look at the gangsterism and violence in this community, especially for those who are older, they are now forced to go to other hospitals. People don’t have money to get transport. The community is very upset. We were under the impression that it ( GF Jooste Hospital) would be upgraded.”

Pierrinne Leukes, spokesperson for mayor Patricia de Lille, said De Lille and Premier Helen Zille would be meeting the Manenberg Steering Committee later today.

Colleen Smart, spokesperson for Mbombo, said: “Cabinet has, on Wednesday (July 22) only, given approval to seek alternative sites for a regional hospital. As is the norm, consultations and processes will now flow from this.”