President Cyril Ramaphosa opens King Nyabela Hospital in Mpumalanga, warns against construction intimidation

President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the new King Nyabela Hospital in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The R1.6 billion, 220‑bed district facility will serve more than 240,000 residents of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and provides a full range of clinical services, including surgery, paediatrics, emergency care and specialised outpatient programmes.

Ramaphosa linked the opening to the National Health Insurance agenda, saying the hospital demonstrates the government’s commitment to universal health coverage. He also warned that intimidation or violence against public‑infrastructure projects – described as a "construction mafia" – will not be tolerated, citing recent delays caused by contractor disputes and legal challenges.