By Staff Writer
CAPE TOWN is set to get two new hospitals, following the national government’s commitment to invest R10 billion in the construction of the Belhar Regional Hospital and the Klipfontein Hospital.
The funding for these hospitals was announced in the national budget last month. National Treasury said it would invest R4.6 billion in the Belhar Regional Hospital, which will have 550 beds. Meanwhile, the development of the R4.3 billion Klipfontein Hospital will see it replace the long-decommissioned GF Jooste Hospital in Manenberg.
The construction of these hospitals is part of the Western Cape government’s broader plan to deliver five major health infrastructure projects. Aside from the Belhar and Klipfontein hospitals, it was announced in the 2022 State of the Province Address (SOPA) that the province also plans to build a regional hospital in Helderberg, redevelop Tygerberg Hospital, and construct a Swartland District Hospital.
In his 2026 SOPA, Premier Alan Winde provided an update on the province’s health plans and said that planning was underway for the redevelopment of Tygerberg Hospital. Winde said the Western Cape government was preparing for the redeveloped hospital, having invested R35 million in two new industrial warehouses for linen and consumables at Tygerberg. He said this would ensure “rapid and efficient material support to our hospital network”.
He described this as “a once-in-a-generation undertaking that will change the very foundations of the public healthcare system in the Western Cape, and we must get it right”.
In addition to the redevelopment of Tygerberg Hospital—the second largest in the country—Winde said the province had invested R2.4 billion in new and improved health facilities over three years.
“Last year, 45 health infrastructure projects were under construction, 30 of which will be completed this year. This massive push is set to improve access to healthcare for residents across the province,” Winde said.
He noted that the projects span the entire health system, from clinic upgrades and hospital expansions to specialised mental health facilities, strengthening access to care across the province.
Winde added that R255 million was being invested in the expansion of the Groote Schuur Hospital Emergency Centre, and that 63 new mobile clinics hit the road in 2025.
He said this year the provincial government would make significant progress with facilities in Hanover Park, Knysna, and Mossel Bay. “With nearly R500 million set aside for these projects, the facilities will bring health services directly to the communities that need them most.”
In addition to investing in new facilities, the province has introduced new technology to improve health services. Groote Schuur Hospital, in partnership with the University of Cape Town, is introducing an AI-powered CT brain imaging system to support faster and more accurate stroke diagnosis and treatment.
This technology enables clinicians to analyse brain scans almost instantly, improving diagnostic speed and accuracy so that treatment can begin sooner. Its ability to connect clinical teams across multiple hospitals—including Mitchells Plain, New Somerset, Victoria, and George—enables specialists to collaborate in real time.
