City clinics set to reopen after CHW stipend strike
The gates of the Betty Gaetsewe Clinic were shut on Monday.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
CLINICS in Kimberley are expected to reopen following a commitment to pay the outstanding stipends of community health workers (CHWs) for April.
Patients were unable to collect their chronic medication or access health-care services due to strike action when the gates to clinics in the city were shut on Monday.
The Northern Cape Department of Health issued an advisory on April 24 indicating that the payment of stipends would be delayed.
Nehawu provincial secretary Moleme Moleme said members marched to the district offices in the ZF Mgcawu, Pixley ka Seme, John Taolo Gaetsewe, and Namakwa districts on May 2, demanding answers as to why they had not been paid.
He explained that payment delays occurred after over 1,000 CHWs throughout the province were “kicked off” the Persal system after their contracts expired in March.
“Only fixed-term employees were captured on the system when it was upgraded. Following a meeting held with the MEC for Health and senior management officials on Monday, it was resolved that the contracts of all CHWs would be extended for another 12 months,” said Moleme.
“Clinics will reopen on Tuesday. Payment is expected to be received between May 6 and 7, depending on bank waiting periods.”
Moleme added that they were still working towards securing the permanent employment of CHWs.
“We are still negotiating to create a soft landing for CHWs who do not have matric and those who are over the age of 65, who will be left without employment or any pensions or benefits.”
National Union of Public Servants and Allied Workers Union (Nupsaw) provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said their members had not participated in the strike action.
He stated that stipends would increase by 4.2 percent from May.
“All unions were informed that there would be delays in the payments and that they [the department] are in the process of honouring payments this week.”
Patients were turned away after the gates of the Beaconsfield Clinic were shut on Monday.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo
South African Care Workers Forum national treasurer Thapelo Moncho said 120 members had participated in the strike on Monday.
“As the backbone of the health-care system, CHWs play a vital role in providing essential services to communities. Any disruption to their salaries not only affects their livelihoods but also compromises the delivery of health-care services.”
He added that they were advocating for permanent employment, job security, and improved financial stability and well-being for CHWs.
“Health-care services will be improved through permanent employment.”
The spokesperson for the MEC for Health, Mandisa Mereeotlhe, said there had been temporary service disruptions at some health facilities in the province due to the delayed payment of CHW stipends for April.
“The department wishes to assure the public that this matter is receiving urgent attention. A constructive meeting was held between the MEC for Health, the head of department, senior departmental officials and Nehawu leadership to address these concerns.”
She added that payments were being processed, with some already reflecting in CHWs’ bank accounts.
“The department's chief financial officer has confirmed that all outstanding payments will be completed by Wednesday, May 7.
“The delay was primarily due to technical challenges related to payment system upgrades and transitions, as well as administrative processes following the extension of worker contracts. These challenges have now been resolved.”
Mereeotlhe stated that normal health services had resumed at affected facilities.
“The department and union leadership have agreed to establish regular bi-monthly engagement meetings to proactively address any future concerns and improve communication channels.
“The Department of Health values the essential contribution of our CHWs to health care delivery in the Northern Cape and remains committed to resolving any outstanding matters through constructive engagement with all stakeholders.”
She said a follow-up meeting would be scheduled with union leadership to address any remaining issues and ensure sustainable solutions going forward.