Storm rages over Reho Spa
A storm has erupted in Rehoboth after the announcement that the iconic Reho Spa will be used for a dual purpose as both a recreational facility and a rehabilitation centre for mental health patients.The decision, which was reportedly made without input from local authorities, has drawn criticism from some residents and mental health advocates in the town.
The governor of the Hardap Region, Riaan McNab, sought to reassure residents in a statement earlier this week, saying that the recreational facilities will remain “for the community” and that the government’s intentions are purely development-oriented.
According to McNab, the spa will be transferred to the Rehoboth Town Council, and part of it will be used by the Ministry of Health and Social Services for mental health rehabilitation services. The rest, including the bungalows, swimming pools and braai areas, will still be accessible to the public.
“Let’s not say no to development, but rather embrace it,” McNab said. “The community recreation part will remain as we planned it.”
Unconvinced
However, many residents of Rehoboth are not convinced.
Frieda de Klerk, a self-proclaimed mental health activist with personal experience in the field, responded: “Mental health is being treated like a political afterthought. The decision to merge a mental health centre with a public braai area is not only disrespectful, it is dangerous. These patients deserve peace, privacy and dignity, not the noise and chaos of a public swimming pool or weekend parties.”
A concerned resident, Sonia Carew, concurred with De Klerk and questioned the governor’s judgment and loyalty to the town: “So, we are going to have a mental health facility and a braai area in the same place? I suggest that the governor visits the state mental health facility in Windhoek and then tells us how anyone is going to relax with a chop and a cold drink next to patients who need silence and structure. This is total betrayal.”
Lack of consultation
The lack of consultation with the Rehoboth Town Council has added to the confusion. Mayor Justin Coetzee, when asked for comment, admitted to being stunned by the news. “I can’t say much at this point. We haven’t been briefed on these changes. It was a meeting between the Minister of Health and the Minister of Works.”
Questions raised with the Ministry of Health have so far gone unanswered. However, a letter dated 25 July 2025 and seen by Network Media Hub (NMH) confirms that 48-bed facilities in the town have been donated to the Ministry of Health. The document states that after consultations between the Ministers of Health and Works and Transport, it was decided that the centre would be officially transferred to the Ministry of Health and converted into a national rehabilitation centre.
The spa, once a proud symbol of relaxation and local tourism, now finds itself at the centre of a heated debate over development, mental health rights and transparency.
While McNab promises future engagement and insists that “calm and peace must prevail,” many residents feel overwhelmed and excluded. What was supposed to be a place of healing and joy has become a flashpoint for tension in the community.