PSA demands urgent action to restore power at Botshabelo Rehabilitation Centre, Free State

The Public Servants Association (PSA) is alarmed by the prolonged power outage at Charlotte Maxeke Rehabilitation Centre in Botshabelo, Free State, since Sunday, 27 July 2025. 

In addition, the Centre’s backup generator is non-functional, plunging patients and healthcare workers into an unsafe and deteriorating environment.

The power failure has severely disrupted essential healthcare services, placing the lives of vulnerable patients at risk. Employees are forced to operate without lighting, medical equipment, or proper sanitation.

These conditions pose serious occupational health and safety hazards, violating basic human dignity. The PSA considers this a service delivery failure and a human rights crisis.

The PSA has formally called on the Department of Employment and Labour, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Public Service Commission to conduct urgent inspections and take immediate remedial steps. 

The PSA demands the immediate restoration of electricity to the Centre and urgent repair or replacement of the backup generator. A comprehensive investigation into the cause of the failure and the absence of contingency planning is required, with accountability for those responsible for this gross negligence. 

The PSA will not stand by whilst public healthcare facilities are left to deteriorate at the expense of the safety of employees and patients. The PSA stands with employees and the affected community and will continue to pursue immediate corrective actions.

The Public Servants Association, Free State