NEHAWU STRIKE-CHAOS AT NATION’S HOSPITALS 

By Everson Luhanga

There have been chaotic scenes across the country as Nehawu-affiliated workers have taken to the streets this week.

Nehawu has embarked on the action despite a court interdict to stop the strike.

In some areas, the demonstrations for improved wages have gotten out of hand.

Hospitals around the country ground to a halt, and picketing workers have in some cases prevented patients from receiving much-needed care.

On Wednesday, the disruptive scenes led to Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla conducting a site visit to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg to assess the impact of the violent and disruptive actions by striking members of the union.

Phaahla decided to cut short his diary commitments, which included oral responses to questions in Parliament, Cape Town, to assess the impact of the strike on hospitals, especially Charlotte Maxeke.

In one incident at the Stanger Provincial Hospital in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, an ambulance was allegedly attacked by striking nurses at the entrance to the hospital. The ambulance was transporting a child who was in a critical condition for attention at the hospital.

Nurses attempted to forcefully remove the young patient from the ambulance, but the ambulance crew managed to get through to the casualty department.

The crew was then prevented from leaving. One crew member was assaulted but the injuries were not serious.

Cosatu national spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said the union has noted the disturbing reports of violent incidents and destruction of property by the striking public service workers. 

“While we fully support the striking workers and believe that their fight is a legitimate one, we regret the disruption to public services caused by the strike and any violent incidents or damage to property,” said Pamla.

Across the country, patients were prevented from receiving care.

ELSEWHERE IN KZN:

Stanger on the Dolphin Coast, Greys in Pietermaritzburg and Hillcrest Government hospitals were affected. Outside Greys Hospital in Pietermaritzburg, management clashed with health workers affiliated to Nehawu.

IN GAUTENG:

At the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto, some staff slept outside the facility because of intimidation. Protestors burnt tyres at all entrances, preventing staff from leaving.

Health facilities that were badly affected included Helen Joseph, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Thelle Mogoerane, Tembisa, Bheki Mlangeni, Kopanong, Sebokeng, Heidelberg, Leratong and Carletonville hospitals. Heidelberg and Ratanda clinics were also affected.

EASTERN CAPE:

Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqebera was affected, with appointments for emergency C-section surgery for heavily pregnant women being called off. The women have not been informed whether their appointments will be rescheduled.

IN MPUMALANGA:

Sabie, Witbank and Ermelo hospitals were among the health facilities affected, where no patients were allowed entry. Only urgent emergencies, including women in labour, have been permitted over the past two days. A skeleton crew staff have also been allowed to nurse inpatients.

Pictured above: Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto, where staff slept outside the facility because of intimidation from striking workers

Image source: Charity Moyo


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