HUMANSDORP – Life Isivivana Private Hospital in Humansdorp will close its doors permanently on 30 September, marking the end of the public-private partnership between the hospital and the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
The hospital, which first opened its doors in November 2004, holds the distinction of being the Eastern Cape’s oldest private-public partnership.
Operating as a private facility within state-owned property, it has served the Humansdorp community for two decades.
The announcement brings clarity to months of uncertainty surrounding the hospital’s future, as previously reported by Kouga Express.
The facility had been awaiting confirmation from the Eastern Cape Department of Health regarding the renewal of its contract, which was set to expire towards the end of 2025.
Pat Lubobo, Hospital Manager at Life Isivivana Private Hospital, confirmed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health would not be renewing its 20-year public-private partnership with Life Isivivana Private Hospital.
“This will lead to the hospital’s closure on 30 September 2025, and the handing over of the hospital building back to the Department of Health,” said Lubobo.
“Life Isivivana has valued the immense contribution of its specialists, referring and admitting general practitioners, healthcare workers and employees who have contributed to the delivery of healthcare in Humansdorp and surrounding areas for the past 20 years,” said Lubobo.
The facility achieved significant recognition during its operation, including being named Small Hospital of the Year within Life Healthcare at the fourth annual Life Achiever Awards in November 2018. As the hospital prepares for closure, management has outlined a structured timeline for operations.
Hospital management is currently engaging with doctors and employees in a process to ensure a streamlined closure of the facility.
Lubobo said that no patient will be admitted after 19 September, and all patients will be discharged on September or will be transferred to other hospitals for further care.
“We understand that the non-renewal of the partnership may be disappointing for the community, healthcare professionals and our employees. However, we are committed to continuing to provide the highest standard of quality care that the community is accustomed to right up to the closure date,” said Lubobo.
Eastern Cape Health Communications Director Siyanda Manana confirmed that the agreement with Life Isivivana, which commenced on 1 October 2004, is set to terminate on 30 September without default by either party.
“Recognising the strategic importance of a seamless transition, the Eastern Cape Department of Health and Life Health Group initiated pre-termination engagements in late 2022, followed by formal negotiations starting on 11 December 2024,” said Manana.
“These engagements led to the establishment of joint governance structures and subcommittees focusing on legal, financial, infrastructural, human resources, asset management, ICT, communications, and supply chain processes.”
Manana said that the exit and handover plans are currently in effect.
“There will be no instability as the handover was planned well in advance. Service delivery will not be affected.” He further said that the department plans to open a theatre at the building in Humansdorp, which will stem the flow of patients to the Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha. “We are in the process of employing clinical staff and strengthening primary health care,” said Manana.
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said that he is saddened by the potential closure of Life Isivivana Private Hospital, which has played a valuable role in providing essential healthcare services to residents. However, he said that it is important to note that the provincial hospital will remain open and fully operational to continue serving the community’s healthcare needs.
“As a local municipality, the development and funding of hospitals do not fall within our mandate. Therefore, we cannot intervene directly in this matter. That said, we remain committed to supporting the process where possible and will prioritise the fast-tracking of any current or outstanding development applications related to the facility through our Planning and Development Department,” said Bornman.
Jeffreys Bay private hospital underway
Meanwhile, the long-awaited Jeffreys Bay private hospital project has reached a significant milestone, with construction expected to commence within the next few weeks following recent municipal approvals and pending provincial health department clearance.
On 14 July, the Kouga Business Forum announced on their Facebook page that building plans for the hospital development were re-approved by Kouga Municipality earlier this month and have now been submitted to the Department of Health in East London for final approval.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman confirmed that Kouga Local Municipality’s role has been to review and approve the building plans, ensuring that all development activities comply with relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
The project appears to be moving forward smoothly, with the Kouga Business Forum expressing confidence in the approval process.
“With strong relationships between the architect and the DOH team, we anticipate a smooth approval process in the coming weeks,” the Kouga Business Forum stated.
The Kouga Business Forum further stated that a draft Bill of Quantities has been prepared to guide construction costs, and upon Department of Health approval, a final contract will be signed between Intarox (the developers) and Menlo Construction (the main contractor), officially marking the start of construction.
Bornman emphasised the critical need for the facility, particularly given current healthcare challenges in the region.
“With Kouga’s population steadily increasing and the potential closure of the private hospital in Humansdorp this September, there is a pressing need for accessible medical services in the area,” said Bornman.
He highlighted that establishing a hospital offering specialised care would provide significant benefits to Kouga communities, where such services are currently lacking.
“At present, residents are forced to travel out of town for consultations and procedures, causing inconvenience and diverting economic activity away from the region,” said Bornman.
“By offering specialised medical services locally, Kouga can retain essential economic drivers and enhance healthcare access for its residents.”
According to Bornman, the project has encountered no major regulatory hurdles.
“There were no zoning or regulatory issues to address prior to resuming construction, as the property’s zoning already permits the proposed use,” said Bornman.
He also said that the necessary infrastructure is already in place to support the new hospital development.
The Kouga Business Forum has committed to keeping the community informed throughout the development process and looks forward to the next milestone in building a healthier Kouga.
