​By Koketso Maraba
 
Communities can now rest assured that their health concerns will be addressed promptly as the newly appointed clinic committee members such as Ashley Louw and Sydney Makgai take on their roles as overseers of their facilities at the Noordgesig Clinic in Soweto, Johannesburg, and Helga Khun Clinic in Palm Springs, Sedibeng. 
Louw and Makgai are part of 1 444 clinic committee members across 370 public clinics in the province who were recently appointed to improve the quality of service and patient experience of care at their local clinics.
Louw explained that the community entrusted him to become part of the clinic committee because he already serves as a ward committee member and is part of the City Power service delivery task team. So, together with his knowledge, skills, and experience, he is believed to be able to serve his community's health needs. As a well-known community leader, Mr. Louw hopes to use his skills to improve the queue management system at the clinic to reduce patient waiting times and since the winter season is upon us, patients will now be allowed to start entering the clinic at 06:45 for comfort and safety.  
"I have decided to be part of the committee because I understand this community and our challenges. I am a good listener and so I pride myself in being able to turn a complaint into a compliment. I achieve all this by engaging with the clinic staff and the community to understand their needs and concerns," expressed Louw. 
Makgai, who has been an advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS in his community was nominated for the stellar work he has been doing between the patients and the clinic.  His knowledge and passion stems from living with HIV, while his motivation is rooted in his job as a health advocate at the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), and his position as the provincial sector representative in the Gauteng Aids Council.  
"I want to assist my community greatly by enhancing the trust between the patients and the clinic staff.  The 'I Serve With A Smile' initiative will also play an important role in improving the staff's morale and overall attitude towards patients, for a better patient experience of care" said Makgai. 
The Clinic Committees will play a vital role in ensuring effectiveness and efficiency in the governance of public clinics through public participation, assisting in addressing health needs of the communities they serve, and ensuring accountability and effective management of the facilities.