A confrontation between local community health workers erupted during the visit of health MEC, Sasekani
Manzini, on Friday. These health workers were bemoaning the lack of following of procedure during coronavirus screenings in Skhila.

The MEC had a briefing with them at Marifaan Primary School and before she left they approached officials of the Department of Health, raising their concerns.

According to some of the community health workers, the others are not screening all the houses as per instructions.

“We have an issue because some of these health workers are not doing their work properly and this will affect the outcome. It is alleged that they pass homes and some do not ask the community members all the relevant questions. We need you to help us,” one of the health workers said.

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Another responded, alleging that it is because they are terrified of dogs, “Do you want me to risk it and get bit by a dog?”

These community health workers are responsible for screening locals for coronavirus. These were not the only issues
that were raised during the MEC’s visit. On her visit to Spekboom, a community member raised his concern about the lack of running water.

Phillip Khumalo, a resident of Spekboom said, “They tell us to wash our hands to decrease the spread of coronavirus yet we do not have running water. How are we supposed to do that?”

He then also added that the challenge is some elderly people who do not have grandkids are also struggling because they do not have anyone to help them with fetching water.

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Thaba Chweu Local Municipality mayor, Cllr Fridah Nkadimeng, explained to Khumalo that if they ever experienced
challenges with a shortage of water they must contact the municipality.

“We have provided the community with JoJo tanks to help during these challenging times. If the water runs out they need to let us know and it will be delivered to them.”

She also added that since Spekboom is an area privately owned as the municipality they need to communicate with the owners.

“We are currently communicating with the owners so that we can be able to take over and assist the public,” she explained.

The MEC and the mayor also received a donation of 15 000 face masks from Transvaal Gold Mining Estates (TGME) at Lydenburg Hospital.

During her speech, Manzini said, “Looking at the numbers and reality on the ground it tells you that more needs to
be done on preventing more people to be infected.

“We appreciate the help, I am told we are getting 15 000 masks and that will assist us greatly.”

She also added that everyone else must use a cloth mask.

At the time of going to press the department had not responded on the issues raised by the community health workers.