The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) and Community Health Workers protested in Wesselton, Ermelo on 19 November.

A community health worker, who wishes to stay anonymous said, this is a national strike.

“We were the front line workers of the health department during this pandemic.

“Our job was and is to go door to door in communities and screen our locals for Covid-19.

“We love our job, but the government is not being fair on us.”

According to information received, they are allegedly not being paid to work overtime.

It is alleged that when the workers signed contracts, their working hours were stipulated as from 8am till 2pm and any hours thereafter are deemed to be overtime for which they are supposed to be paid.

She said, “There is no space at clinics for us to complete our jobs after screening the community, we do not have personal protective equipment (PPE’s).”

According to a member of NEHAWU, who wishes to remain anonymous, the employers do not want to give NEHAWU the registers for workers to prove that they have been working overtime and aren’t compensated for it.

“We demand better working conditions.”

Mr Charles Mogola, treasurer of NEHAWU of Msukaligwa sub-district, said: “We demand permanent absorption of community health workers.”

The Highvelder sent media enquiries to Mr Sibusiso Mabuza, spokesman for Department of Health in Gert Sibande District however, awaits response.

Read the complete article in the Highvelder.