Twitter reacts: Riots at #CharlotteMaxeke considered ‘inhumane’
PARKTOWN – Since the #CharlotteMaxeke strike took an unpleasant turn yesterday, community members have expressed their thoughts after the Minister of Health referred to the protesters acts as 'hooliganism'.
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Minister of Health, commented on the #CharlotteMaxeke strike that took an unpleasant turn yesterday, 31 May, stating that those involved in the protest are ‘not human anymore’.
According to Times Lives, the minister went as far as to call the protesters ‘murderers’ at a media briefing at the hospital last night.
#CharlotteMaxeke #Motsoaledi: I can’t sleep at night knowing there are people like this working in a hospital. They aren’t human anymore.
— Nickolaus Bauer (@NickolausBauer) May 31, 2018
#CharlotteMaxeke Motsoaledi: This is not the type of behavior you commit to other humans. No matter how aggrieved you are, you don’t do this in a hospital.
— Nickolaus Bauer (@NickolausBauer) May 31, 2018
#CharlotteMaxeke Motsoaledi: Anybody who disturbs an operation while its in progress is akin to a murderer
— Nickolaus Bauer (@NickolausBauer) May 31, 2018
Staff members were reportedly demanding a 12 per cent minimum living wage increase and began protesting at the hospital. Community members and motorists were urged to avoid the hospital and its surrounding areas.
Small fires were started at the hospital gates. Damage seemed to be widespread but no reports of injuries have surfaced.
Also check out: #CharlotteMaxeke: Hospital shuts down as riots ensue due to staff strike [VIDEO]
From #CharlotteMaxekeHospital's entrance, lies ashes. The smoke still lingers in the air. @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/uK1r5JMhdt
— Koketso Ratsatsi⚖️ (@KoketsoRatsats3) May 31, 2018
It is alleged that the strike began yesterday and commenced again this morning at 9. So far, no one has addressed them. #CharlotteMaxekeHospital @RK_Gazette pic.twitter.com/QxxhUQb0WV
— Koketso Ratsatsi⚖️ (@KoketsoRatsats3) May 31, 2018
Lungiswa Mvumvu, the hospital spokesperson, confirmed yesterday that the unrest on the premises was due to a protest by disgruntled staff members.
“We appeal to clients to call before coming to the hospital. Patients who are admitted to the hospital are safe and the police are monitoring the situation. If you require emergency health, please go to your nearest clinic or hospital,” Mvumvu advised yesterday.
Since Motsoaledi’s address to the media, South Africans have shared their thoughts on the riots at the hospital dubbed ‘Joburg Gen’. Here is what some had to say …
Outside Charlotte Maxeke Hospital this morning #CharlotteMaxeke pic.twitter.com/QJTbMmQDFC
— African Child (@ZikhonaTshona) June 1, 2018
The strike at #CharlotteMaxeke yesterday was inhumane and Disgustingly painful to witness. Putting patients' lives in danger for the sake of performance bonuses is reckless. There needs to be an HR overhaul by the department, these aren't the people we want in vulnerable spaces.
— YT: WithBontle (@BontleMosia) June 1, 2018
Dear Pres CR, please overhaul the @HealthZA leadership, shift Dr AM to another ministry, shake up and fire people if needs be, be brave. The Healthcare System is going brutal on the sick and poor. Save our nation, We cannot live like this, no one deserves this #CharlotteMaxeke
— Union of Azania (@Senz_Ndzo) June 1, 2018
The leadership of a child is characterised by disorganisation. Whenever you see disorder chaos and confusion just assume that the leadership of a child is at work #Charlottemaxeke
— 👑Pedi princess👑 (@sha_lord) June 1, 2018
@CyrilRamaphosa @PresidencyZA Mr President, this looks more like a stormy night than a new dawn. Please sir, tough decisions are needed. This cannot continue for the sake of the weak, sick and frail. #CharlotteMaxeke https://t.co/A8ma9armsc
— Simon Grindrod (@SimonPGrindrod) June 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/WeLcome_M_/status/1002455104279203841
Of course, Motsoaledi's 'solution' to #CharlotteMaxeke crisis is calling protestors hooligans. Beyond that, he has nothing to offer to ensure this never happens again.
— Bush Sopolitiki (@politiki_101) June 1, 2018
RT @MakwetuMfundo: This picture shows the filth in the entire Health Management.
#CharlotteMaxeke pic.twitter.com/TjpDAJsRrW— Nkosinathi Mlotshwa (@Nathimlotshwa) June 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/KrazyKaktus/status/1002447674648514560
You would think no one wants to walk into an understaffed hospital with inadequate equipment and disgruntled staff, but no, let's handle the minister with kid gloves while we dehumanise the protestors… Well, at least until another Life Esidimeni…#CharlotteMaxeke
— The Lunar M.D.™️ 🌑 (@rocsid808) June 1, 2018
I don't care what you say but those #CharlotteMaxeke workers deserve jail time not a raise. How dyu sleep at night when you denied people in life threatening conditions their fundamental right, which is healthcare?
— The Phoenix ♏️ (@realnickjgood) June 1, 2018
Funny how most of the tweeps dropping their two cents worth on the #CharlotteMaxeke protest yesterday don't work in public health and have medical aid…
Everyone is entitled to an opinion, however, context is paramount.
— The Lunar M.D.™️ 🌑 (@rocsid808) June 1, 2018
Do you agree with the comments made by community members? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or email our editor on ashtynm@caxton.co.za
