Gauteng Health MEC
By Lerato Mpembe
A fire broke out in the Accident and Emergency Unit of Tembisa Hospital last night, prompting a swift and heroic response from the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Team and firefighters. All 74 patients were safely evacuated to another unit within the facility, with no casualties reported. Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has praised the responders for their bravery and efficiency, ensuring that the hospital remains operational despite the incident.
The Night of the Fire: A Rapid and Coordinated Response
The blaze erupted at approximately 10:30 PM on 19 April 2025, engulfing the Accident and Emergency Unit in flames and filling the air with thick smoke. Within minutes, firefighters and the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Team arrived on the scene, launching a coordinated effort to extinguish the fire and evacuate patients. Their quick actions prevented a potential tragedy, as they navigated challenging conditions to relocate all 74 individuals to safety.
Addressing the media outside the hospital, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed her gratitude. “I want to commend the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Team and the firefighters for their swift and effective response,” she said. “Their bravery and quick action ensured that all 74 patients were safely evacuated, and no lives were lost. This is a testament to their dedication and professionalism.”
The evacuation was a testament to the preparedness and courage of both the emergency responders and the hospital staff, many of whom worked tirelessly to assist in the operation. Patients, some in critical condition, were moved to another unit without delay, ensuring continuity of care even amid the chaos.
Tembisa Hospital Stays Open: A Commitment to Care
Tembisa Hospital, located in the heart of Ekurhuleni, is a vital healthcare provider for the Gauteng community. With over 1,000 beds and a broad spectrum of medical services, it serves as a lifeline for residents, handling emergencies and routine care alike. Despite the fire damaging the Accident and Emergency Unit, the hospital has not shut its doors.
Nkomo-Ralehoko reassured the public of the facility’s resilience. “Anybody that has been stabbed just across the street, we will not take that person and say, ‘go to another place.’ We will still see that person,” she stated. “There is a team already that we have assembled with the doctors and nurses, and other colleagues who must look to immediate cases. So no one will not be seen when they come to the hospital.”
To maintain services, the hospital has established a temporary emergency unit while repairs are underway. “We are working around the clock to get the unit back up and running as soon as possible,” the MEC added. “In the meantime, we have contingency plans in place to ensure that our patients are not left without the care they need.”
Investigation Launched: Seeking the Cause of the Fire
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and a thorough investigation is underway. “We await the official forensic report. And we will continue to keep the public informed of all the findings,” Nkomo-Ralehoko told reporters. Forensic teams are examining the scene to determine whether the blaze was sparked by an electrical fault, equipment malfunction, or another factor.
While speculation exists, authorities have urged the public to avoid jumping to conclusions until the investigation concludes. The Gauteng Health Department has committed to transparency, promising regular updates as new information emerges.
Hospital fires, though uncommon, are not unprecedented in South Africa. The incident highlights the critical need for stringent fire safety protocols in healthcare settings, where vulnerable patients rely on rapid response and preparedness to ensure their safety.Voices from the Scene: Courage and Community Spirit
The fire at Tembisa Hospital revealed not only the professionalism of emergency responders but also the resilience of the hospital staff and the surrounding community. Nurses and doctors, some of whom were off-duty, returned to assist with the evacuation, demonstrating extraordinary dedication. “These are our patients, and we have to protect them,” one nurse remarked.
Eyewitnesses described the firefighters’ bravery as they entered the burning unit to rescue those inside. “They were running into the building while everyone else was running out,” a local resident recalled. “It was incredible to see.”
In the aftermath, the Tembisa community has come together to support the hospital. Local leaders and residents have offered assistance, from donations to volunteer efforts, underscoring the facility’s importance to the region.
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