VEREENIGING – The Acting Chief Director for Sedibeng District Health Services, Mothomone Pitsi, has given an ultimatum to EPWP beneficiaries who have been on industrial action for several weeks.

In a letter addressed to all beneficiaries, Pitsi cited that management observed with dismay that the healthcare services at facilities in Sedibeng have been abruptly disrupted by the EPWPs.

Adding that protesters had been unlawfully preventing the public from accessing the health facilities.

“This conduct is unlawful and illegal since no dispute resolution mechanisms were followed. On September 3, management convened an urgent meeting with EPWPs with a view to finding ways to resolve the impasse whilst the matter is escalated.”

Pitsi said management undertook to convey the EPWP beneficiaries’ demands for permanent employment to the office of the Minister of Health, and it is under discussion with internal stakeholders.

Pitsi demanded that all EPWPs refrain from participating in what he called an illegal, unlawful, and unprotected strike.
“This industrial action and any related conduct are completely unacceptable and have a detrimental effect on the department’s ability to deliver services, safety, and security of staff, the public, and property.”

Pitsi said disciplinary action would be taken against all EPWPs if they choose to continue with acts of disruption, stating that they should report for duty with immediate effect and by no later than September 10 for the continued rendering of service delivery at all healthcare facilities.

On September 10, all EPWPs held a meeting outside the Sedibeng District Municipality premises in Vereeniging. During the meeting, workers highlighted that they had been falsely accused of vandalism and violent behaviour towards staff and patients.

“We would like to set the record straight; no vandalism has taken place. We have not acted violently towards anyone. All we did was close some of the facilities to highlight our frustrations with the lack of job security. Our only objective has been to fight for permanent employment, nothing else. We have served the department with diligence and commitment; all we ask is that they restore our dignity and that of our families by employing us on a permanent basis. We are barely surviving with this R3500 stipend.”

On the day, workers agreed to cease all disruptions, saying that they will all report to duty on September 11 at Johan Heyns CHC and continue to do so until their demands are met.