Gold Fields Limited is pleased to announce that it has completed the construction of a healthcare facility that will operate as a public private partnership between its KDC East mine (previously known as Kloof Gold Mine), the Westonaria Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Health.
The new clinic was officially handed over to the Westonaria Municipality and the Gauteng Department of Health at a handover ceremony attended by the Department of Mineral Resources, Gauteng MEC for Health, Ntombi Mekgwe, and Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane on Friday 15 June.
The clinic, which cost Gold Fields almost R4 million to build, is located in the Simunye Development Precinct and will provide much needed relief to the residents of Simunye Township and surrounding areas. The clinic will provide the estimated 20,000 local residents, who previously received health services from a multipurpose centre and refurbished container, with access to a comprehensive range of services including dental health, trauma and emergency services, obstetrics and gynaecological services. Provisions have also been made for an X-Ray facility, lung function unit, laboratory and a dispensary.
Peter Turner, Executive Vice-President of Gold Fields' South African operations, said: "We are extremely excited about this project as it allows us to work collaboratively with the Department of Health and local government in achieving the health goals of near-by communities and our own employees. The clinic takes a holistic approach to healthcare and is in line with our '24 Hours in the Life of a Gold Fields Employee' programme which focuses on employee well-being.
"We believe the operational continuity of our mines relies on a strong social license to operate from our local communities and our government. It is essential that we deliver clear, long-term social and economic benefits to those amongst whom we work. The Simunye Community Health Centre and our partnership with government shows that we are committed to establishing long-term relationships based on ongoing, shared interests", added Turner.
In terms of the partnership Gold Fields constructed the medical facility, the Westonaria Municipality made land available and will provide a number of services, including security, while the Department of Health will supply equipment, basic health care services and general maintenance. The Department will also ensure that the facility is staffed by a dedicated team able to cater for a broad spectrum of medical conditions.
Gold Fields provides a range of healthcare services to employees and communities across its operations. In South Africa, this includes management of two hospitals, as well as primary healthcare clinics and emergency medical services provided by the mines. Through the innovative 24 Hours in the life of a Gold Fields Employee programme, Gold Fields is able to holistically focus on worker well-being, which goes beyond conventional compliance-based measures. The programme includes a broad-range of initiatives around occupational health and safety, healthcare, living conditions, nutrition, education, sport and recreation.
Gold Fields is working on establishing a similar partnership to the Simunye project in order to build a community clinic at the Blybank area in the Merafong municipality. Peter Turner concluded: "As we deal with the scourge of HIV and TB within our communities, we believe that partnering with government and the community allows us to address these problems in a structured consistent manner that is fully in line with government's overall objectives."
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