​By Nomagugu Hloma
 
As the global community celebrated World Radiography Day on Friday, 08 November, under the theme "Radiographers: Seeing the Unseen," the West Rand District Health Services marked a milestone in expanding radiography access for township, informal settlement, and hostel (TISH) communities. 
The 2024 theme emphasised the critical role played by radiographers in detecting hidden health issues, an impact now felt directly in local communities like Simunye township and nearby communities.
Simunye Clinic in Westonaria, is now equipped with a radiography machine, offering general X-ray services to the surrounding communities, enabling early diagnosis and improved access to critical healthcare. Previously, patients in these communities had to travel to Leratong Hospital for radiography services, incurring travel costs and often facing long waiting times. Today, residents of nearby TISH communities can walk to the clinic, benefiting from quick and accessible healthcare.
Nthabiseng Sisulu (31) a resident of Sinqobile in Simunye, shared her experience: "It's very convenient to access health services nearby. I can walk to the clinic for a variety of services, including X-rays," she said recalling how she used to travel to Leratong Hospital and now appreciates the shorter waiting times and the proximity of care.
The benefits extend to organisations like the Connie Mulder Centre in Randgate, Randfontein, which cares for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Caregiver, Virginia Nqabeni highlighted the improvement: "The shorter waiting times and quick response at Simunye Clinic have been a great help. We now can get general X-rays locally," she said, noting the convenience of transporting patients within the district.
Khanyisani Ndlovu (29) and Raymond Nhanombe (30) both from Bekkersdal, also commend the faster turnaround times at the clinic.
Leading the radiography team at Simunye Clinic is Chief Radiographer Thulisile Duma, who oversees radiography services across Westonaria. Holding a BTech in Radiography Diagnostics, a Diploma in Management, and a specialisation in mammography, Duma has extensive experience with the Gauteng Department of Health. She highlighted that the radiography service at Simunye has facilitated early diagnosis and immediate treatment for patients while also decongesting Leratong Hospital, allowing it to focus on specialised services such as CT scans and ultrasounds.
The new radiography service at Simunye Clinic is a step forward in bridging healthcare access gaps. It exemplifies the district's commitment to community-focused care, as celebrated on World Radiography Day.