By Staff Reporter
RELELA, BOLOBEDU – The Queen Mokope Modjadji V Healthcare Centre was officially opened on Monday, 19 January, marking a significant milestone in improving access to quality healthcare services in the Bolobedu region.
The well-attended ceremony took place at Motupa Community Hall, where dignitaries and community members were warmly welcomed with a vibrant live performance by a local Khekhapa group.
The event attracted traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, political leaders and stakeholders from across the province.
The Modjadji Royal Nation Council, led by Prince Lekukela Modjadji, welcomed the development as a major step forward for the people of Bolobedu. His presence underscored the cultural and historical significance of the occasion, deeply rooted in the legacy of the Rain Queen dynasty.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Makoma Makhurupetsi said the establishment of the healthcare centre was symbolically aligned with the passing of the late Queen Mokope Modjadji V, who died in a private hospital in Polokwane.
“Bringing a healthcare centre to the Balobedu people is a significant step. It honours her legacy by improving access to health services for the community,” she said.
The official opening marks a major boost for healthcare delivery in the area. The double-storey facility, the first of its kind in Bolobedu, houses a triage room, a resuscitation and IV room, an on-site pharmacy, an overnight admission room, a doctors-on-call room, three procedure rooms, and twelve specialist consulting rooms.
The centre is designed to bring a wide range of essential medical services closer to communities that previously had to travel long distances for care. Services will include general medical consultations as well as specialist care such as dentistry, orthopaedics and optometry, supported by modern diagnostic equipment.
Leading the project, Dr Mikia Ramothwala, the driving force behind the healthcare centre, emphasised its role in closing long-standing gaps in service delivery and improving health outcomes for local residents.
“Balobedu, if you need anything or have concerns, please come to me. I have brought a healthcare facility that will cover everything,” he said. “The specialists you would normally find at Mankweng, I have brought Mankweng to Relela.”
Dr Ramothwala highlighted that the centre is equipped with advanced machines to address a wide range of health challenges, including eye care, with a special focus on serving elderly community members. He also acknowledged and thanked all those who supported his vision and contributed to making the project a reality.
Dr Ramothwala brings extensive experience to the initiative, holding an MBChB from the University of Cape Town, qualifications in Public Management from the University of Texas, and currently studying Health Economics at UCT, alongside many years of service in public health as a senior clinical manager.
Dignitaries who graced the event included Dr Makoma Makhurupetsi, the Limpopo Legislature Speaker, Donald Selamolela from the National Parliament Portfolio Committee, Tsakani Shiviti, ANCYL Secretary, John Mpe mayor of Polokwane , and several leaders from politics, government and the community.
Community members and health professionals alike celebrated the opening as a symbol of progress and renewed hope for improved wellbeing in Bolobedu.
The launch of the Queen Mokope Modjadji V Healthcare Centre reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and build resilient health systems for the people of Bolobedu and surrounding areas.
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