Union ambushes Minister of Health

NATIONAL Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) members ambushed the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, at a private meeting that was held with medical clinicians at the Protea Hotel in Kimberley yesterday.

Motsoaledi had to leave the conference room to address the union members, who highlighted their grievances regarding the HOD for Health, Steven Jonkers.

They stated that after having raised their concerns on several occasions, their grievances were still falling on deaf ears.

Nehawu is preparing for full-blown strike action and intends to start with industrial action from April 26, after several issues that have been raised with management apparently remain unaddressed.

The unresolved matters include allegations of “blatant corruption” at the Department of Health, a questionable tender that was awarded for computers, critical shortages of staff and illegal procurement practices.

Nehawu in February called for all senior managers, especially those occupying positions in finance and supply chain management, to be subjected to lifestyle audits.

Motsoaledi, who was taken by surprise by the unexpected visit yesterday, said that he was in the city for a Minmec meeting.

He advised that the union should have called him to talk about its issues.

The Department of Health ushered the media out of the conference room, saying that it was a closed meeting and the media was not invited.

Nehawu also requested the media to leave the impromptu meeting with the Minister of Health.

Meanwhile, community health care workers staged a mini protest outside the Protea Hotel, to object to the contracts that they were offered.

Community health care workers are demanding to be paid in line with the minimum wage and want to be absorbed into the Department of Health.

South African Liberated Public Service Workers’ Union (Salipswu) provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said that the contracts that came into effect as from April 1 were unsatisfactory as it included no benefits.

“There is no pension, medical aid or maternity leave. Women who fall pregnant will have no income when their babies are born. We are refusing to sign the contracts,” said Thole.

He added that they were chased out of yesterday’s meeting, where they were informed that no one was allowed into the private meeting with the Minister of Health. – Sandi Kwon Hoo