The Makana Department of Health officially launched the newly renovated Joza Clinic in December 2024 which will offer much anticipated services to residents. The new clinic will focus on Maternal Child and Women’s Health and is located just behind the existing clinic. Led by Sister Xotyeni, the Joza clinic promises to make significant contributions to the wellbeing of the city and the dignity of its clients with this new infrastructure and capacity upgrade. 

After over a decade of dedicated efforts to obtain the additional property and to make it fit for use, under the leadership of Mr Mohammed Docrat from the provincial department. As early as 2012, the Joza community identified an unused satellite police station behind the Joza Clinic as a solution to the severe space constraints at the clinic. By 2023, the Public Works Department acquired the building for use by the Department of Health.

It all came together this year through the power of partnerships between diverse stakeholders. Rhodes University's Masakhe Supplier Enterprise and Development Programme played a vital role in the refurbishment, and several departments have partnered with the Department of Health to improve services for the community.

“We sourced funds to the tune of R 800 000 from Masakhe Enterprise and Supplier Development at Rhodes University. The renovations have been completed,” says the Makana Sub District Clinic Committee. “Both the buildings are joined by a walkway making easy access for patients. MCWH and other services will move into this building, alleviating  the space constraints in the current Joza Clinic,” they add. 

This project also strengthens ongoing partnerships between the Department and Rhodes University, where students conduct research and carry out curriculum activities in the clinic. Departments involved include Pharmacy, Psychology, Information Systems, and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics. 

“The collaboration between Rhodes University and our city, Makhanda, is making a meaningful impact through well-nurtured, strategic Community-University Partnerships (CUPs),”  reflected Di Hornby, Director of RUCE who identified the Department of Health as a key partner in the Masakhe programme. 

Previous sub-district managers, Ms Mtoba, Ms De Beer, Mrs Kanise , Mrs Menziwa played a key role in this journey, along with Councilor Rami Xonka, the District Office, the District Development Office in the Province, Settlers Hospital, Marjorie Parrish Hospital, and the Clinic Committee and Rhodes University.