In a move sparking national debate and public outcry, City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya has ordered the disconnection of electricity to Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to an outstanding municipal debt of over R1 million.
The hospital, one of South Africa’s oldest and most critical mental health institutions, was plunged into darkness this week as city officials enforced a no-exceptions policy targeting non-paying government departments and institutions.
Mayor Moya defended the controversial decision, stating: “We can no longer afford to subsidize chronic defaulters — accountability must start somewhere.”
While the city insists it issued multiple warnings and notices before pulling the plug, critics argue that cutting off power to a psychiatric facility jeopardizes vulnerable patients and staff, raising serious ethical and humanitarian concerns.
Healthcare unions, patient advocacy groups, and opposition parties have called for immediate intervention by the Department of Health, citing the essential nature of electricity in the hospital’s daily operations — from heating and refrigeration to critical medical equipment.
As the standoff continues, many are questioning the balance between fiscal responsibility and human impact, with some demanding that a more compassionate approach be taken in cases involving healthcare institutions.
This power cut may just be the beginning of a broader municipal crackdown, but for the patients and staff at Weskoppies, it’s a crisis in real time.
