Kgalagadi North District has recorded an outbreak of chickenpox, with confirmed cases reported at Tshane Prison, Lehutshelo Primary School and Lehututu Junior Secondary School.

Officially opening the five-day full council session on Monday, Kgalagadi North District Council chairperson, Mr Stephen Lekgobero, said the District Health Management Team (DHMT) had responded swiftly by implementing supportive case management and isolation protocols to curb transmission.

“It is important to note that chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection. It spreads rapidly through respiratory droplets or through direct contact with the fluid from the characteristic itchy blistering rashes. Congregate or crowded settings such as schools and prisons are particularly vulnerable to such outbreaks,” he said.

Mr Lekgobero urged intensified public education and advised parents and guardians to separate infected children from others until all blisters had formed crusts.

“I urge everyone to remain vigilant and cooperate with our health officials during this critical time,” he said.

He reiterated that access to health care services remained a deliberate priority under his roadmap to ensure vulnerable members of the community accessed essential services.

Further, he noted that following a rigorous assessment, Maake Cattle Post and Kang Catchment Area Cattle Post had qualified as new mobile health stops to improve outreach services.

“For now, mobile stops offer the best opportunity for ensuring that vulnerable populations in the district have access to essential health care services,” he said.

On health infrastructure, Mr Lekgobero announced that installation of an oxygen plant container at Hukuntsi District Hospital was completed last year in December.

“The plant has enhanced the hospital’s capacity to generate medical-grade oxygen locally, reducing dependence on external suppliers. All relevant hospital units are now connected to the system, improving access to oxygen across wards,” he said.

Regarding drug supply, he acknowledged that the country’s health system continued to face challenges.

“The overall average Vital, Essential and Necessary (VEN) drug availability declined to 66 per cent during the third quarter compared to 76 per cent in the previous quarter. However, district availability improved slightly to 68 per cent in January 2026. Shortages of antibiotics and eye medication remain a concern,” he said.

On community development, Mr Lekgobero said government had transformed the Ipelegeng Programme into Ikageng Public Works Programme, shifting to a results-oriented model aimed at skills development and improved access to the labour market.

He added that revised Village Development Committee (VDC) guidelines would soon come into effect to enhance accountability and professionalism.

Mr Lekgobero further said the INAPHU Community Farm would be handed over to the communities of Inalegolo and Phuduhudu on March 19, 2026. Maintenance of its perimeter fence had been completed, while installation of a 90,000-litre water reservoir was ongoing.

Preparations for restocking the farm with breeding stock were underway, with consultations being held with local farmers.

He said the council had also handed over the Ausinyana Community Shop at Hunhukwe and the Ukhwi Community Shop as part of community empowerment efforts.

Additionally, he said, the district received P686,000 to establish a toilet paper manufacturing project at Hukuntsi West under the Rehabilitation of Destitute Persons Programme, benefiting seven former destitute programme beneficiaries.

Another P986,000 has been allocated for establishment of an automotive workshop in Hukuntsi for four Rural Area Community graduates trained at Kitsong Centre.

Mr Lekgobero noted that the district was facing increasing pressure in solid waste management due to rising household waste generation.

“Waste collection has been outsourced to contractors in Hukuntsi, Lokgwabe and Lehututu at a cost of P809,670, while Tshane and Hunhukwe continue to be serviced by contracted donkey cart operators at P186,960,” he said.

He noted that, the district has also acquired a compactor truck with six skips to improve waste management and enhance revenue collection.

Meanwhile, the Kang Communal Dumpsite was officially handed over to the community on February 13, 2026, with the old dumpsite closed and awaiting rehabilitation. ENDS