For many patients at Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, waiting for critical ultrasound scans has been a challenge – one that can mean the difference between early intervention and prolonged suffering. Now, thanks to an extraordinary partnership between Rotary Clubs across South Africa and Germany, this challenge is being met with action, compassion, and impact.
The Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital Sonar Equipment Project is an initiative that embodies the true essence of ACT4IMPACT – Rotary District 9350’s centenary campaign calling individuals and organisations to step up and create meaningful change within their communities.
A local community in need, a global response
It all started with a visit. In early 2023, Christina Chambers, Community Services Project Coordinator at the Stellenbosch Rotary Club, walked through the hospital’s halls and saw firsthand the urgent need for modern sonar equipment. With outdated machines and long waiting times forcing patients to travel further afield to Paarl Hospital for critical heart scans, the burden on both medical staff and the community was immense.
Moved by this need, the Stellenbosch Rotary Club acted immediately, securing partnerships with Helderberg Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary Club Hameln and Rotary District 1800 in Germany, as well as The Rotary Foundation. Together, they launched a Rotary Global Grant project to fund the purchase of new ultrasound machines, ensuring that Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital could offer faster, more efficient, and life-saving diagnostic services.
Set for delivery in March 2025, this project is more than just about providing equipment – it’s about restoring dignity, access, and hope to those who need it most.
“It has been a privilege to be part of a focused and dynamic team who identified a dire need for sonar machines in the Stellenbosch area,” says Christina Chambers. “These machines will have an immediate, profound, and long-lasting impact not only on the community at large but also on the efficiency of the medical teams in terms of quick diagnosis and treatment.”
For Dr. Tabitha Mathose, a physician at Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, the impact is clear: “With new machines, there will be a reduction in waiting times for patients to get ultrasound scans. Patients will no longer need to travel to other hospitals for special investigations like heart scans, saving them both time and financial costs. Additionally, we will be able to expand our ultrasound services to Groendal Clinic, reaching even more members of our community. Our vision is to make Stellenbosch Hospital a centre of excellence in primary care services and medical training and having state-of-the-art equipment is a critical step towards achieving that goal.”
ACT4IMPACT: A call to join the movement
The Stellenbosch Sonar Equipment Project is just one example of how Rotary’s ACT4IMPACT campaign is turning community challenges into success stories. As Rotary District 9350 celebrates 100 years of service across South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, ACT4IMPACT is rallying individuals, businesses, and organisations to be part of the change.
From funding medical equipment to launching food gardens, training community members, and expanding early childhood centres, the pioneering movement is proof that when people work together, lasting impact is possible.
You too can be part of the next story. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or partnering with Rotary on a project, your involvement can create lasting change.
To learn more about how you can be part of a movement that empowers communities through purposeful action, visit www.rotary9350.co.za or reach out to Rotary District 9350, email membership@rotary9350.co.za.