Tembisa Hospital
By Karabo Marifi
A second fire has erupted at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, this time engulfing the main Outpatient Department (OPD) early on Wednesday morning. This incident follows a separate blaze that severely damaged the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit just days prior, intensifying concerns over the facility’s safety and operational continuity.
Emergency Response and Immediate Actions
Firefighters from the City of Ekurhuleni’s Fire Department responded promptly to the scene after the fire was reported around 5:00 AM. The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that emergency crews were actively working to contain the blaze in the OPD, which is situated adjacent to the already compromised Accident and Emergency Unit. Health department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba stated, “The Gauteng Department of Health can confirm that fire fighters from the City of Ekurhuleni’s Fire Department are currently on site attending to what looks like another fire incident at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital’s main Out Patient Department (OPD), adjacent to the Accident and Emergency Unit which was damaged by fire over the weekend.”
No injuries have been reported from this latest incident. However, the affected area has been cordoned off, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity while investigations are underway.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
The cause of both fires remains under investigation. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called upon the State Security Agency to determine whether foul play was involved, emphasizing the need for a thorough probe to prevent potential threats to other healthcare facilities. “There have been lots of wrong things happening, so we just have to make sure that there is no human element to it,” Lesufi remarked. 
The recent incidents have spotlighted longstanding concerns about the hospital’s infrastructure. The Public Servants Association (PSA) has previously warned about the deteriorating conditions at Tembisa Hospital, describing it as a “ticking time bomb.” The PSA stated, “The PSA has consistently raised concerns about the deteriorating infrastructure and unsafe working conditions at the hospital, warning that the facility was on the brink of collapse.” 
Impact on Hospital Operations
The dual fires have significantly disrupted hospital services. Following the initial fire on Saturday, 81 patients were safely evacuated from the Accident and Emergency Unit. In response, the Gauteng Department of Health implemented a business continuity plan, which included diverting ambulances and repurposing other areas within the hospital to maintain critical services. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko assured the public that efforts were underway to stabilize operations, stating that alternative spaces with necessary facilities had been identified to temporarily house emergency services.  
The latest fire in the OPD has further strained the hospital’s capacity, leading to the redirection of some patients to nearby healthcare facilities, including Zamokuhle Private Hospital. Emergency services remain on high alert, and the hospital continues to operate under its contingency protocols.  
Community and Staff Reactions
Hospital staff have expressed concerns over the repeated incidents and their implications for safety and service delivery. An anonymous employee described the situation as “chaotic,” highlighting challenges in locating patient files and managing operations with limited resources. Another staff member noted the psychological toll on healthcare workers already burdened by staff shortages and now facing additional stress from the fires. 
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