Disgruntled NEHAWU (National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union) members marched to Witrand Hospital in Potchefstroom today to meet with the North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, regarding a variety of financial and health concerns related to workers.

Once inside the premises of Witrand Hospital, security guards and police started shooting rubber bullets at the singing protesters.

They in return damaged the entrance to Witrand Hospital, vandalising infrastructure, setting materials and litter on fire in response.

According to NEHAWU regional organiser, Rantekane Kgoadi, the march is a continuation of the protest that occurred yesterday at Potchefstroom Hospital regarding performance bonusses and extra remuneration among other demands.

“The situation is triggered by non-payment of performance bonusses, corruption and fraud at the institution, patients who are not well taken care of in terms of the budget of the hospital. The issue of asbestos buildings is also a big health concern,” he adds.

Kgoadi strongly condemned the actions of police and security guards who shot at the NEHAWU members.

“On our way to the hall the police and security officers started shooting at us for no reason. We tried to negotiate, and they said they received instructions from above. We were just singing the slogans. There was nothing dangerous. It’s wrong that they are shooting at us, now the situation is out of control,” Kgoadi said while one of their members were shot with a rubber bullet.

At the time of writing NEHAWU members were still at the main gate to the hospital waiting to meet with the MEC.