By Anita Dangazele
Pregnant women awaiting emergency C-sections at Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha are at risk as their surgeries have been halted indefinitely due to a workers’ strike over higher pay.
A frustrated first time expectant mother, who only identified herself as Amanda, told Scrolla.Africa she feared for her unborn baby’s life.
“I’m really scared. I got here on Sunday and I was supposed to go to theatre on Tuesday. I’m worried about my baby because I’ll be 40 weeks pregnant this weekend,” she said.
A nurse who spoke on condition of anonymity said she had decided to book herself off sick because she didn’t want to be intimidated by striking colleagues.
“They’re violent and they even drink during the protest. I don’t want to be part of it. I decided to go to my doctor so he can book me off. They’re not allowing us to work, so I’d rather wait the strike out at home than be threatened. They’re so angry,” she told Scrolla.Africa.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Department of Health has condemned alleged acts of violence and intimidation of workers by striking Nehawu members.
The MEC for Health, Nomakhosazana Meth, says four of the five trade unions are not supporting the strike, adding that there are concerns that their members are being intimidated and denied access to their workplaces.
“We understand that workers have a right to demonstrate, but when they do, they can’t infringe on the rights of others. We can’t afford to have a situation where the lives of patients and staff who are not on strike are endangered as a result of the actions of those who have decided to strike,” she said.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health said a no work, no pay, principle would apply to participating hospital workers.
The Department of Public Services and Administration proposes a salary increase of 4.7% and the union is demanding 10-12%.
Pictured above: Striking workers protest in Gqeberha
Image source: Anita Dangazele
