By Abigail Visagie

With six consultation rooms, a pharmacy and modern facilities, the newly opened Borwa Clinic signals a fresh chapter dignity and accessible healthcare for Tweespruit residents

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has officially opened the long-awaited Borwa Clinic in Tweespruit, marking what she described as a national milestone for the community. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Health MEC Mahlatsi Monyatso, and Mantsopa Local Municipality Mayor Mamsie Tsoene. Mathae said the opening represents “a chapter of dignity, care and hope” for the people of Tweespruit. “We are here to fulfil a promise. When the 7th Administration took office last year, my colleague MEC Mahlatsi stood before the Legislature and presented a vision—one anchored in our mandate to build a resilient, equitable and quality healthcare system that leaves no one behind,” said Mathae. She added that the 2024 budget speech made it clear that universal, premium healthcare must extend to all communities, including small towns like Tweespruit. “As a child of Tweespruit, it brings me great joy to see our community finally blessed with such a beautiful clinic. I am immensely proud of this historic moment,” she said. 24-hour services on the horizon Mathae announced that efforts are underway to convert the new facility into a 24-hour clinic, noting that Tweespruit experiences heavy traffic during peak periods such as the festive season. “Tweespruit forms part of the R709, connecting travellers to the Eastern Cape. We are also within the N8 junction, which increases traffic and accident rates. It would be advisable to have a 24-hour clinic—and you know when we speak of something, we come with action,” she said. Job creation The Premier confirmed that construction of the clinic created over 492 local job opportunities, including 247 for young people. She acknowledged community concerns about current staff shortages and recommended that recruitment prioritise Tweespruit residents. “The filling of critical posts, investment in our nursing colleges and the Free State College of Emergency Care, and the aggressive push toward digital health—these are the building blocks of a system we can all be proud of,” Mathae said. Emergency Medical Services praised Mathae commended the province’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for their swift response to the recent N8 IBL accident that claimed 11 lives. “On behalf of the Free State provincial government, I express my gratitude to the EMS staff, Botshabelo and Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital for their unwavering support and assistance,” she said. Mayor’s remarks Mantsopa Mayor Mamsie Tsoene expressed joy that the long-promised clinic was delivered during her term. She added that the opening also symbolises broader progress for Tweespruit, which recently regained access to water after prolonged challenges. The Borwa Clinic features six consultation rooms, a pharmacy, ablution facilities, a children’s playroom, nappy-changing room, water tanks, e-lockers, a security office and a storage facility. In closing, Mathae said: “Let the story of the Borwa Clinic be the story of the new Free State: a province that builds, that cares, and that forges ahead with determination. “Let us move forward together—with compassion, innovation and an unwavering belief in a healthier, stronger future for all who call this beautiful province home.”