Angry residents of Dingledale village, outside Thulamahashe in Bushbuckridge, shut down the local clinic on Wednesday, 04 March, in protest over the appointment of community health workers.

Ten community health worker positions that the Department of Health assigned to Dingledale Clinic are at the centre of the dispute. Ten village residents were selected for interviews, which took place at Thulamahashe Health Centre on February 13, 2026. 

However, community members claim that none of the local candidates was hired. Candidates from other regions, such as Acornhoek, Matsikitsane, Zola, Tsuvulani, Hluvukani, and Rooiboklaagte, are said to have been awarded the positions instead.

Residents claim some of the unsuccessful applicants were volunteers at the clinic for years and believed their experience would count in their favour. Their exclusion has sparked frustration and allegations that the recruitment process was unfair.

Community members began their protest on Wednesday, 4 March, demanding answers from the Department of Health. They have vowed to continue the action on Thursday, 5 March, and say the clinic will remain closed until officials provide clarity on how the appointments were made.

The Department of Health has not yet commented on the allegations at the time of publication.