About the project

At Groote Schuur Hospital, healing is not only clinical. Every day, patients, families and staff rely on prayer and reflection spaces for comfort, dignity and strength during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Many of these spaces were created years ago and no longer meet the needs of a busy and diverse hospital community. They are often too small, heavily used and affected by aging finishes, ventilation and hygiene challenges. The Groote Schuur Hospital Trust is therefore fundraising to upgrade these spaces in phases, creating safe, inclusive environments that support holistic, patient-centred care

Phase 1: Muslim Prayer Room Upgrade (2026)

The first phase focuses on relocating and upgrading the hospital’s most utilised prayer space, the Muslim Prayer Room.

The new space will provide a larger, serene prayer environment with improved ventilation, modern finishes and dedicated ablution facilities, ensuring dignity, safety and infection-prevention standards. Construction is planned for 2026, with an estimated cost of R2 million.

This urgent first step will immediately improve the daily experience of patients, families and staff while forming part of a longer-term vision of inclusive spiritual care for all.