Protest at Far East Rand Hospital as workers demand permanent jobs from the Department of Health
They were joined at the protest by community field workers from the Department of Social Development who were demanding that they be absorbed permanently by the department.
The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) led a protest last Friday afternoon at the Far East Rand Hospital demanding that Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers be absorbed permanently by the Gauteng Department of Health.
They were joined at the protest by community field workers from the Department of Social Development who were demanding that they be absorbed permanently by the department.
Other unions that were part of the protest were the South African Police Union and the South African Federation of Trade Unions.
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The union also demanded that the security guards are absorbed permanently and the head of the department at the Gauteng Department of Health be removed immediately as he was “incompetent and lacked integrity,” and that the department responds to their demands in 10 days.
The workers said many of them had been employed by their respective employers for six years, with their contracts renewed every year.
“We are exploited and it’s painful. We work every day but we have not been paid for three months.
“We have no benefits and we earn R3 500 per month, which we’re supposed to use for rent, transport and raising our children. Last year we got Covid-19 and since we have no pension, who would have looked after our children?” said Ntokozo Nhlapho.
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Vuyisile Mofokeng shared similar concerns and said they are regarded as workers but do the job of health workers.
“We risk our lives going from door to door visiting pensioners, orphans, vulnerable children and schools. We don’t have PPE and nobody has talked about us getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
“I feel sorry for the women who fall pregnant while working here and they’re either forced to resign or take unpaid leave. How are they meant to survive?” asked Mofokeng.
After hearing the protesters’ complaints, Tseko Ttsolo, a representative from Gauteng Health MEC Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi’s office was on hand to accept the memorandum.
In response to the protesters’ demands, Ttsolo said the department would get back to them as soon as possible.
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