Friends of Johan Duvenhage, a 66-year-old former lawyer and finance professional, have raised serious concerns about the quality of care he received during his final weeks at a Tygerberg Hospice-linked intermediate care facility after suffering a stroke.

According to close friend Tubby Currie, Duvenhage experienced what they describe as neglect, including being left in a bed allegedly too small for his body, developing painful pressure sores, and not receiving consistent physiotherapy or mobilisation that is typically considered important in stroke recovery.

Currie, who had known Duvenhage since their army days in 1979, said he frequently left the facility distressed and frustrated, believing his friend was not being treated with sufficient dignity or rehabilitation support.

Another friend, Angela Deary, also alleged that Duvenhage showed signs of emotional and physical decline and questioned the clinical explanations provided regarding his recovery prospects.

Duvenhage had been admitted to the M7 and M8 intermediate care facility following a stroke in February and remained there until his death on the same day he reportedly passed away suddenly after speaking with visitors earlier in the afternoon.Friends claim that despite expectations of rehabilitation, Duvenhage spent extended periods immobilised without adequate physiotherapy interventions.

Tygerberg Hospice and Western Cape health officials, however, stated that Duvenhage was treated by a multidisciplinary team including nurses, therapists, and medical officers, and that a personalised rehabilitation plan was implemented and regularly reviewed.

They also confirmed awareness of pressure sores and said appropriate clinical interventions were applied, while maintaining that no formal complaints were lodged during his stay.The hospice further stated that staffing levels were adequate throughout his admission.

The case has sparked debate among friends and family about end-of-life care standards, rehabilitation expectations after stroke, and communication between healthcare providers and relatives during long-term care.

While friends describe the experience as deeply distressing and lacking dignity, the facility maintains that care was provided according to established protocols and tailored to his medical condition.