EPWP workers under the Sedibeng District Health Services have embarked on a protest in demand of permanent employment. The workers say that the current fixed-term contracts offer no job security, benefits, or a living wage, leaving them exploited and vulnerable.

This week has seen workers visiting clinics in the region and subsequently halting services as a way to show their frustrations.

The workers said that they are tired of being taken advantage of by the Department of Health, saying that they demand to be employed as permanent employees as a matter of urgency.

“There is very little one can do with R3 500. We have been getting the same stipend for years, despite growing food prices and this crumbling economy. We are unable to meet our needs and the needs of our families. This is why we have embarked on this strike.”

On September 3, EPWPs were summoned to Johan Heyns Community Health Centre where they engaged with the new Acting Chief Director for Sedibeng District Health Services Mothomone Pitsi.

Addressing the workers regarding their protest action, Pitsi said he was not aware of any grievances from the workers, adding that he was shocked about the protest action that resulted in the disturbance of services at local clinics.

In response, workers said that they were shocked that he had not been made aware of their issues. They said that they are no longer interested in speaking to the Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko. They said that they will only speak to the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi or the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

“Please send our grievances to the Minister. We can no longer sustain our families with R35. It is too little. We just got paid but the reality is that that money has come and gone. Some of us don’t even have transport money to go to work anymore.”