Rietfontein mother forced to give birth in street - Northern Cape cabinet apologises

The Northern Cape cabinet apologised to a Rietfontein mother who was forced to give birth to her baby on the street two weeks ago.

A supposed 24-hour health facility was closed due to salary disputes, forcing a public birth for the mother, Veronica Brown.

According to the SABC acting Premier Grizelda Cjiekella and Health MEC Mxolisi Sokatsha visited Brown at her home.

"We came here to apologise to the parents and take responsibility, but we have addressed the issues, because the problem was overtime problem... ” said Cjiekella.

The mother welcomed the apology but angry Rietfontein community members were not impressed, the SABC reported.

“For me the disappointment lies in why should this thing turn so ugly before people could fix it,” said community spokesperson Meris Kocks.