MIDDELBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned so-called construction mafias that intimidation and violence on public projects will not be tolerated after officially opening the long-delayed King Nyabela District Hospital in Middelburg on Tuesday, 04 August 2026.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ramaphosa said criminal disruptions, payment disputes and legal challenges delayed the completion of the 220-bed hospital, which will serve more than 240 000 people in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
Awarded to Enza Construction in March 2017, work on the project began in January 2018 and was scheduled for completion in December 2019.
Instead, repeated work stoppages, payment disputes and delays in the delivery of equipment slowed construction. By 2024, the project had reached only 58% completion before gaining momentum during the final phase. It reached 98% completion by October 2024.
The transfer of services from the old Middelburg Hospital began on 30 October 2025, with the new facility becoming fully operational on 19 November 2025.
“It is significant that the community has been actively involved in this project, with over 1,100 work opportunities created, including more than 520 work opportunities for women,” Ramaphosa said. “But there were challenges during the early construction stages with so-called business forums who disrupted the work. There were also legal challenges with contractors.”
Ramaphosa said those responsible for disrupting public infrastructure projects would face consequences.
“We must be clear, acts of intimidation and violence relating to the construction of public infrastructure will not be tolerated,” he said. “We cannot stand for the construction of hospitals, clinics, roads, dams or any public infrastructure being disrupted to advance some individuals’ financial interests.”
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said the opening of King Nyabela highlighted the growing need for additional health facilities across the country.
“The truth of the matter is that our populations are growing faster than our health facilities, and that's why we need to put up new health facilities. So this is just the beginning,” he said.
He said the Department of Health had already submitted plans to the National Treasury for 11 new hospitals.
“We in the Department of Health have already submitted to the Treasury 11 hospitals that must be built in the country. And here in Mpumalanga we are already targeting two. They don't have a central hospital. They don't have a mental health hospital. So all in all we need 11 brand new hospitals immediately.”
Motsoaledi described the old Middelburg Hospital as dilapidated and no longer suitable for serving the growing population.
“This facility is really going to come in handy.”
Ramaphosa said the project highlighted the need for stronger accountability in public infrastructure delivery.
“As we open the King Nyabela Hospital, we are determined that all hospitals and clinics that have been commissioned must be completed to budget and on time,” he said. “There can be no space for corruption, fraud or waste in the procurement of health infrastructure, supplies or services.”
He said the government had recovered stolen health funds and prosecutions were under way.
“We will end the criminal actions of those who steal from the sick and vulnerable, who endanger people’s lives.”
Built at a cost of R1,646 billion, King Nyabela District Hospital includes surgical, medical, paediatric, maternity and high-care wards, a world-class accident and emergency unit, three operating theatres and comprehensive outpatient services, including TB and HIV management, mental health, physiotherapy and dentistry.
Named after King Nyabela Mahlangu, the hospital was described as a tribute to his legacy and commitment to his people.
“While hospitals and clinics are built with bricks and mortar, the heartbeat of our facilities is provided by the health care providers who diligently perform their duties, sometimes under difficult circumstances,” Ramaphosa said.
