Setting the Record Straight: Tembisa Hospital and the Truth Behind the Viral Video

01 Oct 2025

It is deeply concerning that an old video — recorded over two years ago — is being reshared without context, falsely portraying the current state of mental health care at Tembisa Hospital. This video, now circulating on social media platforms like TikTok source, is not only outdated but dangerously misleading.

Let us be unequivocal: the conditions shown in that footage do not reflect the present reality at Tembisa Hospital. The video predates the tenure of the current Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who assumed office after the events depicted. To attribute this to her leadership is not only factually incorrect — it is unfair and irresponsible.

Since then, significant improvements have been made in the hospital’s infrastructure, patient care protocols, and oversight mechanisms. The Gauteng Department of Health has taken proactive steps to ensure that mental health care users are treated with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. These reforms are ongoing and reflect a commitment to restoring public trust in our health institutions.

We urge the public not to be misled by recycled content designed to provoke outrage and sow doubt. Egregious misinformation of this nature causes unnecessary distress to families, undermines the morale of dedicated healthcare workers, and damages the reputation of institutions working tirelessly to serve our communities.

Let’s stand together against fake news. Let’s protect the truth — and the dignity of those who rely on our public health system. This kind of misinformation is also suspected to have a political motive which makes it even more egregious when this is done with no concern for the staff and family members and other stakeholders.

By Professionals Forum of RSA