A heartbroken Soweto mother has accused staff at the Zola Community Health Centre of negligence after her newborn baby died days after birth.
Phumla Gubudela said her child’s death could have been prevented if only nurses had listened to her desperate pleas for help.
Gubudela recounted the harrowing experience, saying she was left to give birth on the clinic floor after nurses ignored her pleas for help, insisting she walk to them even as she was in active labour.
She said the ordeal began on September 13 when she arrived at Zola Clinic after experiencing intense labour pains.
“The nurses checked me and took me to a ward. As the pain worsened, I knelt down and told them the baby was coming, but they kept insisting that I must come to them. When I finally tried to stand and walk towards them, the baby came out and fell to the floor.”
The 27-year-old said the nurses continued to raise their voices at her, shouting that she must come to them despite her obvious pain and distress.
“They kept yelling at me to get up, even though I was already on the floor,” she said. “Eventually, one nurse came over and picked up my baby, then came back to fetch me, while the other two nurses just sat there and watched.”
Gubudela said she and her newborn were transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where she was discharged the following day while her baby remained under observation. Despite being sent home three days later, the baby never recovered. Nine days on, after feeding, the newborn suddenly became weak. She rushed her child to Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital, but tragically, it was too late.
The medical report confirmed that the newborn’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
Gubudela said the loss is devastating, having spent nine days bonding with her baby and getting to know her. She insists that action must be taken against the nurses involved and is seeking legal assistance to hold them accountable.
The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that Gubudela delivered her baby at Zola Community Health Centre on 13 September 2025. The newborn was transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for medical care and later discharged after examination.
“According to the mother, the baby changed the condition at home and was taken to Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital. However, the baby was certified dead on arrival. Ms Gudubela reported to the clinic on 08 October 2025, alleging that she was made to deliver her baby on the floor.”
The department added that it is taking the allegations seriously and has launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the delivery and the infant’s death. “It would be premature to speculate on the cause of death at this stage, as a comprehensive clinical review and formal forensic investigation are required,” the department said.
The department confirmed that Gubudela has been provided with counselling services to support her as she copes with the tragic loss of her child.
The Star