The health workers from Emfuleni, Midvaal and Lesedi local municipalities took to the streets in protest outside the Sedibeng District Mayor’s Chamber Office demanding their three-month backdated salaries.
Arriving in the early morning around 09.00 on 18 September, the ward-based educators on HIV/Aids were holding their placards high, reading: “Sedibeng hands off our future”, “Down with Sedibeng” and “Enough is enough”.
They were asking for accountability from their Director, Achie Mokonane.
EFF councillor, Mzwakhe Mapei was among the delegates who went inside to meet with Mokonane and other officials.
Mapei said in that meeting they have reached a resolution that the Ward based HIV/AIDS Coordinators will receive their outstanding three months salaries.
No employee will sign the contract, as Director Archie Mokonane, together with the delegation, will meet the acting MEC of Health, Jocab Mamabolo on the date to be confirmed.
The aim is to address the issue of absorption that was promised to the workers by suspended MEC for Health, Dr Bandile Masuku.
He added that all workers who were affected by COVID-19 had to submit their details.
Protesters went back to their varied areas hoping that soon their plight will be given serious attention.
Outside the chamber, one of the workers, Tshidi Gadebe, said they have families to look after.
“I am renting and now the landlord can’t take my story any longer,” she said.
The Community Healthcare Workers showed the food they brought with them for the day, which only consisted of soft drinks while others ate ‘skopas or maja ka thata’… “To at least have something in our stomach,” they said.