For many residents of Mamelodi, such as 61-year-old Lina Sithole, the arrival of the Phelophepha Healthcare Train has been transformative.
Sithole was thrilled to undergo her first comprehensive health screening aboard the train at Eerste Fabrieke Station, where it has been stationed for two weeks.
Having long struggled with short-sightedness, she was delighted to receive both spectacles and sunglasses free of charge.
"I have always wanted to have proper healthcare check-ups, and I needed new spectacles because my vision was getting worse," she said.
Her experience was also shared by many who queued for hours to access these essential services.
The lengthy queues highlighted the significant demand for healthcare in the area.
For many, the train’s visit represented their sole opportunity to consult with medical professionals without any cost.
Resident Elizabeth Sekati expressed her gratitude for the Phelophepha Train's visit to Mamelodi, noting its valuable impact on the community.
“The free eye tests and spectacles have been a great help for me. It’s wonderful to see such essential services being brought directly to our community, making a real difference in our lives,” she added.
The return of the Phelophepha Healthcare Train brought immense relief and joy to Mamelodi residents.
The train was met with enthusiastic reception as it provided essential healthcare services to a community with limited access to affordable and comprehensive medical care.
Residents expressed their deep gratitude for the visit, noting how it addressed their urgent health needs and made a significant difference in their lives.
This initiative, spearheaded by Transnet and supported by the Gauteng Department of Health, aims to enhance primary healthcare services in underserved communities.
With its 19 carriages, the Phelophepha Train delivers a variety of essential services, including eye and dental care, pharmaceutical support, and preventative health treatments.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said this initiative aligns with the department’s goal to bring health care closer to communities, especially in townships, informal settlements and other areas with limited access to medical facilities.
During an oversight site visit, Nkomo-Ralehoko commended the Phelophepha team for alleviating pressure on public health services.
“The turnout of people coming to use healthcare services shows how much people need these services,” she said.
She added that as a department, they are committed to providing quality health care to all, and the Phelophepha Train plays a crucial role in helping them meet that goal.
“We will keep working with our partners to improve the services we offer,” she said.
She also encouraged locals to take full advantage of the healthcare services offered during the train’s stay, urging them to prioritise their health and well-being.
For many, the visit of the "clinic on wheels" was life-changing, and residents eagerly anticipate its next stop in their area.
The Phelophepha Train continues to make a lasting impact, not only by offering immediate medical relief but also by supporting the broader healthcare system through its outreach to vulnerable populations who are often undeserved by conventional medical services.
The Star