The National Education, Health and Allied Worker’s Union (Nehawu) is demanding the removal of North West Province’s MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha. Nehawu raised their concerns in a letter to the NW Premier, Bushy Maape, after a protest at Witrand Hospital on Thursday, 7 April turned ugly.

Police and private security shot rubber bullets at workers who were protesting against poor working conditions and payment issues. They were scheduled to meet the MEC at Witrand Hospital before the chaos ensued. Nehawu members also littered the halls of Potchefstroom Hospital the previous day (Wednesday, 6 April) when they protested against the lack of performance bonuses and poor working conditions, among other issues.

According to NW SAPS spokesperson, Col Amanda Funani, rubber bullets were used to disperse protestors because they used force to try and enter the meeting.

Nehawu’s regional organiser, Rantekane Kgoadi, stated that Nehawu eventually arranged a meeting with Sambatha on Friday, 8 April, but an agreement could not be reached. He also said the workers had returned to work this week.

“We reject the MEC’s misguided assertion that he did not call and instruct the police to shoot at innocent and unarmed workers,” stated the letter.

Workers protested against the following key issues at Potchefstroom and Witrand Hospitals:

• Non-payment of performance bonuses,
• Non-compliance regarding the removal of asbestos structures,
• No food and clothes for patients,
• Dilapidated laundry machines,
• Incomplete overhaul of Witrand Hospital’s kitchen for the past five years,
• Transport shortages,
• Corruption and maladministration,
• Dilapidated and unsafe infrastructure.

“We do not agree with the MEC’s proposal to meet with the management of both workplaces. The same management has contributed to the demise of the Department of Health. Therefore, the union demands that the CEOs are removed, and further call upon the Premier of North West to ensure that our demands are met and implemented,” stated the letter.

Nehawu has also said the premier should assign a neutral team to solve these issues, otherwise a full-blown strike would be the only option. This decision would result in disrupted service delivery in hospitals.

“The MEC has failed dismally to focus his energy on improving the working conditions of our members and workers. He cannot conduct a thorough inspection of all hospitals and clinics and work towards supporting workers to create a working environment to stimulate mental ability and encourage employee productivity.”

The Potchefstroom Herald also spoke to the acting CEO of Potchefstroom Hospital, Dr Michael Shakung, about the protest action last week. He stated that certain processes are involved in performance bonuses, and renovating the dilapidated buildings would take time.

“The hospital buildings need to be renovated too, as there is a current health issue with the asbestos. We cannot rebuild it quickly, as it will take time. Our provincial office is aware of it and is in the process of attending to it,” he maintained. Shakung reiterated to the community that patients’ health is still of utmost importance, despite the staff shortages and protests creating numerous difficulties.

“There are many challenges; we are doing our best. Our patients must not be compromised.”