SCORES of residents from various communities near Mpunzana locality in Mthatha received free health services organised by the Mpunzana Development Association (MDA) last week.
This event, called the Thumamina event, took place at Dumalisile Primary School in Mthatha. A variety of services were provided by specialist healthcare professionals, including dental care, ophthalmic services, immunisations, acute care, chronic care, men’s health services, cancer screening, and more.
According to the chairperson of the MDA, Professor Sithembiso Velaphi, the association consists of individuals from the area who have pursued careers in different fields. “As part of giving back to our community, which nurtured us from childhood and helped shape us, we decided to provide these services. Often, people only realise they are unwell at an advanced stage, so we partnered with the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape to offer regular health services here every year,” said Velaphi.
He emphasised that the event also serves neighbouring communities. “When we host this event, we make sure to extend these services to other nearby communities around Mpunzana,” he added.
Velaphi further explained that young girls were vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cancer. He confirmed that since they work closely with the Department of Health, patients requiring further care are referred to hospitals in Mthatha. According to him, the department provided them with essential tools, including patient registers and referral books.
He noted that this was the fifth time they had hosted the event but acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic caused interruptions. They resumed the initiative in 2023. “We want to express our gratitude to the Department of Health for their continuous support. Without their help, we would not have come this far. Seeing our parents receive these essential health services brings us joy; it shows we are addressing a critical need,” said Velaphi.
He also expressed appreciation for the specialists who volunteered their time, leaving their private practices to offer their services free. Velaphi highlighted that some patients struggle to afford specialist care, which makes initiatives like these invaluable. However, he mentioned that while some men attended, many were still reluctant to seek health services. “I urge young men to take these services seriously. This is an opportunity for them to learn more about their health.”
Prominent doctor and MDA member, Dr Mtembeni Tebelele, known for his sexual health advice on SABC’s Umhlobo Wenene FM, said they were happy with the number of people who came to the Wellness Day. “We are here to thank our parents by giving them these free services because we are these professionals because of them. Most of the time, men do not like to go to health clinics, but since they know that I am talking about their problems on the radio, they have become interested in coming here. We are checking them for prostate cancer. We want them to know that you do not go to get help only when you are facing a problem. You go and check cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other diseases,” said Tebelele.
A local resident, Nokwakha Somsila (65), expressed her happiness about the event. “We always look forward to this day because it is important. We are proud that some of these doctors were born and raised in Mpunzana. Some people even arrive as early as 03:00 to ensure they receive care,” said Somsila.
The head of Traditional Council from Cacadu Traditional Authority, Chief Nobhongo Ngonyama, noted that many of those who benefit from these services depend on pensions or social grants. “Healthcare is no longer affordable, so it is a privilege to receive such services for free,” she said. Ngonyama praised the MDA’s efforts, led by Professor Velaphi and Dr Tebelele, for their vision of giving back to the community. “We are grateful for this medical outreach programme. It not only provides much-needed healthcare but also helps our community save money,” she concluded.
