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History of Itshelejuba hospital

Itshelejuba hospital was discovered by German Missionaries.  It started as a mission station for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people.  The people could not understand that the Missionaries were preaching the gospel without meeting expectations of physical wellness.

In 1932 the care of the sick began at Itshelejuba by the Missionary Wilhelm Weber who started the work on the newly founded station.  Modern medical help was practically unknown only the traditional medicine was used.  During the second world war the first step towards organized medical work at the hospital took place.  There was no trained nursing staff at that time. An old farm house was converted to be the first health facility.

The first trained nurse was sent by the Missionaries in 1953, whose name was Sister Ruth Bauseneiek; she was a trained general nurse and midwife.  It was extremely difficult for Sister Ruth to bring help to the people because of their traditional and cultural belief towards sickness and its removal.  In the first years, each patient who came to her to the hospital meant a victory after a long struggle because even the patient and his close relatives had to endure much enmity in their clans should they ask for help and treatment at the hospital.  Up until trust was built between the care givers and the community it was only then that Itshelejuba hospital “Stone of the Doves” contributed to the lives of the people.

The name Itshelejuba  "Stone of the Doves" emanated from a group of doves that used to stay on the hills in the stones just beyond the hospital.

After all hardships there was great progress there were other people helping that is bookkeepers, managers and other helpers who were then assisting Sister Ruth.

The Transvaal Department of Health began to support financially, providing funds for medicine, equipment and personnel.  In 1962 a Maternity ward was built whereby the health authorities paid 50% of the building and the rest was paid by the German Church Charity group called “Brot Fur die Welt”

In 1965 a TB ward was also constructed by the Department of Health of the Republic of South Africa since tuberculosis became a problem for several years the mission had already tried to find a Doctor for Itshelejuba hospital.   Sister Ruth went for further training to German after fifteen years of service.

On 16 May 1969  Dr. Kurt Bergter became the Medical Superintendent of Itshelejuba hospital.  The hospital was extended and equipped in order to meet the needs of the community.  Due to resettlements by government the hospital was situated in the area of Blacks dominated by Zulu speaking people.  There was still a lot of work to be done by Dr. Bergter since the population was growing.

Apart form the daily work there were also daily devotions and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ which was the responsibility of the Lutheran church, when Pastor Sibiya retired from parish work in 1966 he was transferred to Itshelejuba to do this work.  After his passing away on 3 October 1971 he was replaced by Reverend Johannes Khumalo.  The medical service was done in the name of Jesus Christ which was based on his mission which says:

All power is given unto me in Heaven and on earth.  Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you and to, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.  Amen.

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