RMA completes a R 30 million upgrade of a state-of-the-art Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Hospital
Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) is pleased to announce that the extensive upgrade to the Welkom Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, in the Free State province, has been completed.
This state-of-the-art facility upgrade highlights RMA’s strategic commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, delivering modern patient-centred care and bridging the gap between underserved communities and quality healthcare.
The Welkom Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Hospital, owned and operated by RMA, has been operating since its founding in 2016.
This upgrade project commenced in early 2025, when RMA embarked on a comprehensive refurbishment to expand capacity, integrate advanced medical technologies and enhance therapy environments. The upgraded hospital now offers a seamless continuum of care designed to improve recovery outcomes and access to specialised services in the region.
Key facility enhancements include:
• Expanded custodial care, wound management, rehabilitation and vocational rehabilitation units,
• On-site pharmaceutical services for both chronic and acute prescriptions, operated through a strategic partner,
• Dedicated case management supported by 24-hour nursing care,
• A multidisciplinary clinical team featuring occupational therapists, physiotherapists, sessional medical officers and sessional urologists, and
• An in-house orthotics and prosthetics centre established via a joint-venture partner.
Speaking at the launch of the refurbished facility, RMA’s Group CEO, Mandla Shezi, said “Our responsibility is different from that of a commercial insurer or commercial hospital. We have a legal mandate to rehabilitate injured workers and therefore cannot leave rehabilitation to chance. For us, infrastructure is not an investment class; it is an enabler of protection, dignity, and social value. Where a commercial facility might end its mandate at discharge, ours intensifies - we remain accountable for recovery, employability, and long-term wellbeing. This, too, is part of our promise,”.
"These facilities will not only provide necessary support and care but also aim to foster a sense of ownership and community among those we serve. Through our efforts, we strive to create an environment that promotes healing, self-sufficiency, and a return to productive life for injured workers.
“Our message to every worker (in need) is clear: we will not forget you. Whether you are deep in the Eastern Cape or in Xaixai Mozambique, we will find you wherever you are, we will care for you, and if your home is no longer suitable, we will bring you here - where your health, dignity, and future are protected,” concluded Shezi.
In addition to its positive effects on healthcare delivery, the recent upgrade has generated notable socio-economic advantages for the Welkom community. Throughout the construction phase, RMA actively collaborated with local contractors, skilled artisans and suppliers, which resulted in the creation of hundreds of temporary job opportunities. This engagement not only provided employment but also fostered skills development among local workers.
As the hospital ramps up its operations, it is expected to create a variety of new permanent positions across multiple areas, including clinical care, administrative roles, facilities management, and support services. This influx of jobs is anticipated to invigorate the local economy significantly, enhancing the livelihoods of residents.
This project is firmly aligned with RMA’s overarching mission to promote sustainable community upliftment. By strategically investing in healthcare infrastructure and fostering economic stimulation, RMA is dedicated to ensuring that each rand spent contributes to meaningful, long-term impact.
This initiative focuses not only on providing faster and more effective rehabilitation for injured workers but also emphasises the development of a vibrant local ecosystem that cultivates diverse opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. By integrating healthcare improvements with economic initiatives, RMA aims to create a holistic approach that benefits individuals and communities alike, ultimately leading to enhanced quality of life and economic resilience.
The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, who delivered the keynote address at the launch, emphasised the importance of partnerships among business, government, and civil society.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the opening of a world-class facility, but to reaffirm the values that underpin our democracy: dignity, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life for all. In the spirit of partnership and progress, this hospital stands as a living symbol of what can be achieved when government, business, and civil society unite and work together.”
The Deputy Minister further emphasised that her department’s objective is not only to compensate but also to empower ex-mineworkers to rebuild their lives and reintegrate meaningfully into their families and communities.
