eMalahleni CHW recruitment sees 100 permanent posts filled and 219 on contract
100 CHWs are appointed permanently, as 219 remain on contract in eMalahleni.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) in eMalahleni have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recruitment and appointment process that has left the workforce split between permanent and contract employment, raising concerns about fairness, experience recognition, and long-term job security.
The concerns follow a recruitment process outlined by the Department of Health, which confirmed that 58 CHWs with Grade 12 qualifications were appointed permanently, while 219 workers without matric remain on fixed-term contracts.
A further 42 CHWs were appointed earlier in 2026. CHWs, the process has created uncertainty among long-serving workers, particularly those who have worked in community health programmes for years without formal qualification requirements previously being enforced.
“We have been working for years without a matric being required. Now we are being sidelined while new people are brought in,” one CHW said.
With support from NEHAWU, workers are calling for fair treatment, recognition of experience, and permanent employment for eligible CHWs.
“We want permanent jobs, fairness, and back pay,” she said.
The department outlines the recruitment framework
Department spokesperson Christopher Nobela said the recruitment process was guided by national policy and agreed labour frameworks.
“The appointment of community health workers in Mpumalanga was guided by the national policy framework for Ward-Based Primary Health Care Outreach Teams, the signed agreement with organised labour, and minimum qualification requirements determined through the job evaluation process,” said Nobela.
He added that the process applied a consistent criterion based on a Grade 12 requirement.
“Approximately 3 758 CHWs in Mpumalanga did not possess a Grade 12 qualification and therefore could not be considered for permanent appointment at salary level 2 as per the signed agreement and approved job evaluation outcome; they therefore remained contracted,” he said.
No blanket court order for permanent employment
Nobela said there is no binding court directive requiring all CHWs to be permanently employed.
“A 2025 Labour Court ruling affirmed the PHSDCBC criteria, dismissing abroad claims for non-qualifying workers and only qualifying those who possess grade 12.”
Engagements ongoing
The department said CHWs and stakeholder engagements are currently underway to explain the implementation frame of the resolution and the steps taken by the department to ensure adequate ward coverage with outreach teams.
“We believe that an amicable resolution and common understanding will be reached for the safety of patients and continuity of health services,” Nobela said.
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