Ganyesa — 3 Sept 2025: A public row has erupted over the death of a 10-month-old baby at Ganyesa District Hospital on 27 August, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) alleging negligence and the North West Department of Health insisting clinicians followed specialist guidance.

In a statement, the DA said, on 2 September 2025, it had lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission, claiming hospital officials declined to transfer the infant to a tertiary facility despite the child’s deterioration, and alleging a clinician told the mother to “brace yourself because there’s no way of knowing what to do.” The party also alleged the hospital later offered to pay for the funeral.

In response to questions from The Vryburg Independent Post (VIP), departmental spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane confirmed the child—who had “congenital abnormalities and a chronic condition diagnosed at Steve Biko Hospital”—was admitted to Ganyesa on 14 July. He said the case was discussed with a Steve Biko specialist on 22 August, who adjusted treatment and gave a 29 August appointment date. “Under these circumstances, the hospital kept the patient under prescribed care and treatment as per the specialist advice. At the same time, the local paediatric specialist was also seeing the patient,” the Department said, adding that referral pathways are “entirely dependent on treating clinicians.”

The Department conveyed condolences to the family and said it will “investigate all matters surrounding the case and engage the family appropriately.” It also confirmed receiving the DA’s letter to the MEC seeking urgent intervention, but emphasised that clinicians were acting on specialist input.

Some claims remain unresolved. The Department did not directly confirm or deny the DA’s allegation that a clinician told the mother to “brace yourself,” nor the claim that funeral costs were discussed. It cited patient confidentiality in declining to provide detailed clinical information.

What we know so far

• Admission: 14 July 2025 at Ganyesa District Hospital.

• Tertiary input: 22 August—case discussed with Steve Biko specialist; treatment adjusted; 29 August appointment set.

• Outcome: Child died on 27 August 2025 in Ganyesa.

• Actions: DA lodged HRC complaint; Department pledges internal probe and family engagement.

The VIP will continue to follow developments, including any findings from the Department’s investigation and the Human Rights Commission process. If the family wishes to share their perspective on the record, or if witnesses have information relevant to the timeline of care, please contact our newsroom at theVIPeditor@gmail.com or text us on 082 702 5503.

-The VIP Team 

-DA NW 

-NW HEALTH