BUSHBUCKRIDGE COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM MULTI-BILLION RAND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

Article by Lesego Moretlwe and pictures by Caroline Mokotedi

31 January 2026

The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure is currently undertaking an oversight visit in Mpumalanga Province to assess the progress of various infrastructure projects.

A key project under review is the multi-billion rand construction of Mapulaneng Hospital, located in Bushbuckridge within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. This multi-year project commenced in 2020 and is scheduled for completion in July 2026. It is regarded as one of the largest infrastructure projects being implemented by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

Upon completion, Mapulaneng Hospital will serve as a regional referral hospital, supporting several healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas. The hospital will significantly enhance access to much-needed healthcare services, offering both clinical and non-clinical services to communities across the province.

Since the inception of the project, approximately 820 work opportunities have been created, with a substantial number of these benefiting women, youth, and persons with disabilities—demonstrating the project’s positive socio-economic impact. During the oversight visit, the Portfolio Committee raised concerns regarding challenges affecting project implementation. These include late payments, which have resulted in work suspensions and negatively impacted project timelines, as well as work stoppages by community members.

Committee Chairperson, Ms Carol Phiri, cautioned against delays in payments, highlighting the adverse effects on workers and their families who rely on the project as a source of income and livelihood support. Despite these challenges, the MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Thulasiswe Thomo, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to ensuring that the Mapulaneng Hospital project is completed as scheduled in July 2026.