Storm erupts over Reho Spa mental health centre proposal
A storm has erupted in Rehoboth following the announcement that the iconic Reho Spa resort will serve a dual purpose, as both a recreational facility and a rehabilitation centre for mental health patients.
The decision, reportedly made without input from local authorities, has drawn criticism from some residents and mental health advocates in the town.
Hardap governor Riaan McNab sought to reassure residents in a public statement last week, saying the recreational facilities would “remain for the community” and that the government’s intentions were purely development-orientated.
According to McNab, the spa will be handed over to the Rehoboth Town Council, with part of the premises to be used by the health and social services ministry for mental health rehabilitation. The rest, including the bungalows, swimming pools and barbecue areas, will remain open to the public.
“Let’s not say no to development,” McNab said. “Let’s embrace it. The community’s recreational section will remain as planned.”
Rehoboth residents demand answers
While governor McNab has promised future engagement and stressed that “calm and peace must prevail,” many residents questioned the plan.
Frieda de Klerk, a self-proclaimed mental health activist with personal experience in the field, said: “Mental health is being treated as a political afterthought. The decision to merge a mental health facility with a public braai area is not only disrespectful, it’s dangerous. These patients deserve peace, privacy and dignity, not the noise and chaos of a public swimming pool or weekend parties.”
Sonia Carew echoed De Klerk’s concerns and questioned the governor’s judgement and loyalty to the town. “So now we’re going to have a mental health institution and a braai area in the same space?" she asked.
"I suggest the governor visit the state’s mental health facility in Windhoek and then tell us how anyone is supposed to relax with a chop and a cold drink next to patients who need silence and structure. This is a complete betrayal.”
The lack of consultation with the Rehoboth Town Council has added to the confusion. Mayor Justin Coetzee, when approached for comment last week, admitted he was taken aback by the announcement.
“I can’t really say much at the moment. We were not informed of these changes. It was a meeting between the minister of health and the minister of works and transport,” he claimed.
Questions remain unanswered
Questions raised with the health ministry have so far gone unanswered. However, a letter dated 25 July 2025, seen by this publication, confirms that facilities with 48 beds in the town have been donated to the health ministry.
The document further states that following consultations between the ministers of health and works and transport, it was decided that the centre would be officially transferred to the health ministry and converted into a national rehabilitation centre.
The decision, reportedly made without input from local authorities, has drawn criticism from some residents and mental health advocates in the town.
Hardap governor Riaan McNab sought to reassure residents in a public statement last week, saying the recreational facilities would “remain for the community” and that the government’s intentions were purely development-orientated.
According to McNab, the spa will be handed over to the Rehoboth Town Council, with part of the premises to be used by the health and social services ministry for mental health rehabilitation. The rest, including the bungalows, swimming pools and barbecue areas, will remain open to the public.
“Let’s not say no to development,” McNab said. “Let’s embrace it. The community’s recreational section will remain as planned.”
Rehoboth residents demand answers
While governor McNab has promised future engagement and stressed that “calm and peace must prevail,” many residents questioned the plan.
Frieda de Klerk, a self-proclaimed mental health activist with personal experience in the field, said: “Mental health is being treated as a political afterthought. The decision to merge a mental health facility with a public braai area is not only disrespectful, it’s dangerous. These patients deserve peace, privacy and dignity, not the noise and chaos of a public swimming pool or weekend parties.”
Sonia Carew echoed De Klerk’s concerns and questioned the governor’s judgement and loyalty to the town. “So now we’re going to have a mental health institution and a braai area in the same space?" she asked.
"I suggest the governor visit the state’s mental health facility in Windhoek and then tell us how anyone is supposed to relax with a chop and a cold drink next to patients who need silence and structure. This is a complete betrayal.”
The lack of consultation with the Rehoboth Town Council has added to the confusion. Mayor Justin Coetzee, when approached for comment last week, admitted he was taken aback by the announcement.
“I can’t really say much at the moment. We were not informed of these changes. It was a meeting between the minister of health and the minister of works and transport,” he claimed.
Questions remain unanswered
Questions raised with the health ministry have so far gone unanswered. However, a letter dated 25 July 2025, seen by this publication, confirms that facilities with 48 beds in the town have been donated to the health ministry.
The document further states that following consultations between the ministers of health and works and transport, it was decided that the centre would be officially transferred to the health ministry and converted into a national rehabilitation centre.
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