A new chapter in accessible healthcare has begun for the Northern Cape’s Namakwa District as Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), in partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Government, officially opened the JF “Boeboe” van Wyk Oncology Centre. Bringing life-saving cancer treatment closer to communities that have long faced overwhelming travel and financial burdens to access care. 

The opening marks a major milestone in decentralising specialised healthcare services in the Northern Cape and stands as a powerful symbol of hope for patients and families affected by cancer 

Delivered under VZI’s Social and Labour Plan (SLP) 2024 - 2029, the purpose-built oncology facility enables patients to receive chemotherapy treatment locally — reducing journeys that previously required travel of between 400 and 1,200 kilometres to Kimberley, Upington or Bloemfontein. 

Located at Dr Van Niekerk District Hospital in Springbok, the Centre includes 10 chemotherapy stations capable of treating up to 250 patients per month, with provision for future radiotherapy expansion. 

Public- Private Partnership Driving Real Impact 

The Oncology Centre reflects a strong public-private partnership between Vedanta Zinc International, the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Provincial and District Departments of Health, as well as project partners, BVI, Afriline and Icon. 

The project builds on VZI’s long-standing healthcare investment through its PinkDrive cancer outreach programme, adopted in 2015, which has enabled nearly 8,500 people across the Northern Cape to access cancer screening and early detection services. While screening improved outcomes, treatment access remained a critical gap — one VZI committed to addressing at the 2023 African Mining Indaba. 

Delivering Hope Through Action 

Speaking at the official opening, Vedanta Zinc International CEO Vijay Kumar said the Centre represents the company’s belief that mining must contribute meaningfully to society. 

“Today we deliver on a promise — a promise to bring hope closer to families affected by cancer. Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and this Centre ensures that treatment, dignity and care are now within reach for the people of Namakwa. At Vedanta, our transforming for good motto is not a slogan; it is our responsibility,” said Vijay. 

The facility is named in honour of respected community leader Jacobus “Boeboe” van Wyk, recognising his legacy of service and dedication to community upliftment. 

Strengthening Healthcare Access in the Province 

Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul described the opening as a significant advancement in strengthening equitable healthcare services across the province. 

“This oncology centre will help us ease the pressure at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital. Oncology services in the Northern Cape are largely centralised at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Tertiary Hospital (Kimberley), with decentralized service models already implemented at Dr. Harry Surtie Regional Hospital and Kuruman District Hospital. Patients in the Namakwa District face a major access barrier: the distance between Kimberley and Springbok is approximately 700 km,” emphasised Dr Zamani. 

The Centre supports the provincial government’s broader health transformation agenda by improving access to specialised treatment while reducing pressure on referral hospitals and easing the burden on patients and their families. 

A Legacy Beyond Infrastructure 

Inspired by Vedanta’s global healthcare initiatives, including the BALCO Medical Centre in India, the Oncology Centre reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable social investment rather than once-off interventions. 

The JF “Boeboe” van Wyk Oncology Centre will become operational from 01 March 2026, with clinical services delivered by the Northern Cape Department of Health. Referral pathways to tertiary hospitals will remain in place for specialised therapies where required. 

By improving continuity of care and enabling earlier treatment, the facility is expected to enhance patient outcomes while restoring dignity and hope to communities across the Namakwa District.