Staff at the City of Cape Town’s Site B Youth Clinic in Khayelitsha were left traumatised after yet another incident in which they were robbed of personal belongings at gunpoint.

The latest incident happened on Thursday 19 July 2018 and I visited the facility today to comfort and encourage City health staff.

Our health professionals are the people we go to when we are unwell and need assistance. We trust the nurses and doctors with our lives and with the lives of our most vulnerable, namely, our children and our elderly.

Yet, when they cannot perform their duties and facilities have to be closed, the consequences are life-threatening to entire communities who cannot access health services.

Brazen criminals in the area have been stealing cellphones, purses and handbags from staff, clients and even from the security guards at the facility.

People who try to resist are threatened, assaulted and left severely traumatised.

Counselling has been provided to those affected, but these incidents have a long-term impact not only on morale, but some staff members now fear to come to work. Some have requested transfers to other sites and even the permanent closure of the clinic. This leads to a direct impact on services rendered to the community.

These men and women are dedicated to serving their communities. They need to be cherished and protected. It is unthinkable that they have to work in a situation where their safety is at risk and own lives could end at any moment.

A number of proposals to improve safety and security are under consideration. This includes further hardening of the facility as budgetary constraints permit.

The City’s mandate is to make healthcare available to all its residents, but the community has a role to play in terms of vigilance and safety concerns.

I implore the community to work with us to identify these thugs and bring them to book. They are putting the health and safety of an entire community at risk. Remember that health facilities are gun-free zones, so let us join hands and spread the awareness.

Our staff are committed and I commend them for their bravery and continued determination to ensure that the community has continued access to healthcare services.

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