Protest at old age home over salaries

EMPLOYEES of Resthaven Welfare Society in Kimberley have embarked on protest action after not receiving their last salary payment.

The workers yesterday gathered at the gates of the old age home to protest the fact that they had not been paid their salaries since March and that their pleas to have the matter attended to had reportedly received no response from management.

One of the placards being held by disgruntled workers stated that “Esidimeni is coming to Resthaven”.

The workers indicated yesterday that a meeting with the Northern Cape Department of Social Development had revealed that Resthaven’s quarterly report had not yet been handed in, resulting a hold-up in the payment of salaries.

Rumours are also doing the rounds that the facility will soon be closing its doors, leaving its 48 residents with nowhere to go.

The workers stated that their meagre salary of R1 900 per month was “not enough to take care of their families” as most workers were single parents.

“Only workers who were off for the day took part in the protest, as those on duty are scared of losing their jobs. Those on duty are on a go-slow and this is negatively impacting on the care of elderly residents, but we have no other option,” the protesters said.

“The management of Resthaven has left us in the dark regarding our salaries and the possible closure of the facility. We are serious about the care of the residents but cannot continue working without payment.

“Even though we have jobs, our children go hungry as R1 900 per month is just not enough to support our families and we are desperately asking for an increase,” they added.

The provincial Department of Social Development could not be contacted yesterday for comment regarding the situation at Resthaven.