NYANDENI- Traveling through the Nyandeni local municipality in the OR District Municipality is a daunting task.
Untarred roads, characteristic of much of the Luqoqweni Village, make every journey a bumpy ride.
Luqoqweni village was visited on 7th November 2024, for residents seeking medical attention, the challenge is even greater.
A 20 kilometre walk or a reliance on irregular transportation–a guruguru (bakkie-turned-taxi) operating at 5am and 5pm daily– is the only way to reach the nearest clinic.
OR Tambo District Municipality, spanning 12,140 square kilometers, is one of South Africa’s poorest districts. Approximately 90% of its population resides in last-mile communities, far from essential services like electricity, piped water and healthcare.
However, amidst these challenges a beacon of hope exists.
Mentor mothers, employed by non-profit organization One to One(OTO) Africa, provide vital maternal and child health services in these rural areas.
Nosizwe Peter, 58 is one such mentor mother. She traverses Luqoqweni’s gravel roads, dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes for her community.
In a bid to expand access to essential healthcare services, OTO Africa’s Mentor Mothers Programme has introduced a mobile clinic.
This innovative approach brings comprehensive care directly to communities in need.
Programme Director at OTO Africa Emma Chademana explains, “For us, the mobile clinic is where all of our services come together. The mobile clinic integrates various services, providing a one-stop solution for individuals seeking medical attention, support and guidance.”
By bridging geographical gaps and facilitating outreach, OTO Africa’s Mentor Mothers Programme continues to make a tangible impact on community health and well-being.
photograph: supplied
