CHWs staged marches in Kuruman, Groblershoop and Heuningsvlei this week to protest over poor working conditions.
Image: Supplied
THE NATIONAL Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) is demanding the permanent absorption of 1,600 community health workers (CHWs), as well as health facility assistants, in the Northern Cape on salary level 3, with benefits.
Marches and pickets were held this week in Kuruman, Groblershoop and Heuningsvlei to protest poor working conditions and the termination of contracts for CHWs who are over the pensionable age of 65, as of March 31.
Memorandums were handed over, giving the Northern Cape Department of Health seven days to respond to the workers’ demands.
Nupsaw national organiser Sbonile Jeza said CHWs had been mugged while on duty.
“CHWs have to do the work of both nurses and cleaners, as most clinics do not have any nursing and cleaning staff. CHWs and HFAs need medical aid, as many have contracted occupational illnesses, including tuberculosis (TB) and Covid-19. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the workers were given five days of sick leave if they fell ill,” he said.
Jeza added that workers were also bitten by dogs when entering patients’ yards.
“The areas where they work must be cleaned, as they also risk being bitten by snakes. Every year, measurements are taken for uniforms, but the clothing never arrives.”
He said Gauteng was the only province that had permanently absorbed CHWs.
“The department stated that it would need R4.8 billion to absorb 45,000 CHWs in the country.”
Nupsaw national organiser Sbonile Jeza (middle) with union members at the Recreation Hall in Galeshewe.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
A home nurse, Gladys Ramatlatla, 63, said she volunteered her services for five years without compensation.
“I was paid with a plate of food, which I took home to feed my children. It is heartbreaking that after 25 years of service, I have no pension,” she said.
CHW Daisy Morake added that her contract was terminated because she was over 67 and did not have a matric certificate.
“I am still strong enough to work, even though I contracted TB and Covid-19. I am being chased away like a dog, with no income. They now say CHWs must be between the ages of 18 and 35. I was employed when Grade 12 was not a requirement.”
A home nurse, Gladys Ramatlatla (middle), from Kimberley said she volunteered her services without compensation for five years
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
CHW David Thlobolo, who works in Mataleng, Barkly West, also reported being bitten by dogs while walking to his patients’ homes.
CHW Maryke January said they were considered to be “white elephants”, with no opportunities for career advancement despite years of service.
“Youngsters fresh out of matric, who have no passion or knowledge of the job, are appointed as our superiors. Only certain workers receive training.”
CHWs in the Northern Cape complained of deplorable working conditions.
Image: Supplied
Department of Health spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo said the CHW matter was being discussed at national level with all relevant stakeholders.
“The Northern Cape Department of Health is expected to align itself with the outcome of the national process, including all matters that may arise from such a decision. We believe that we must give these engagements a chance and not fragment the process,” said Mxekezo.
Nupsaw held a union meeting at the Recreation Hall in Galeshewe on April 14
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo