CAREGIVERS and support staff - including laundry, kitchen and cleaning personnel - at the Helen Bishop Home in Kimberley said they were suffering after not receiving their salaries for April.

The centre, which provides care for 60 children and young adults with physical disabilities, is still awaiting its annual funding to continue operating.

Members of the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) picketed outside the centre and met with the Northern Cape Department of Health this week in an effort to secure their outstanding salaries.

Staff said they could not abandon their patients, even though they could not afford taxi fare to travel to and from work.

“The majority of caregivers work night shifts and live far from the centre, in areas such as Galeshewe and Roodepan. We cannot feed our children, pay our bills or buy electricity. We were threatened with dismissal if we stayed away from work. We’re afraid something may happen to the children if they’re not properly cared for - but what about our own children?” the staff members said.

They added that there had also been delays with the March salary payments.

“Every month we have to fight to get paid, even though we are dedicated to our work. We were told there are not enough funds to even pay us partial salaries for April.”

Hospersa provincial chairperson Paul Gras said little consideration was being given to employees at the centre.

“Funds received by the centre go to maintenance instead of salaries. There are around 50 staff members who have not been paid,” he said.

Gras noted that following a meeting with the Department of Health on Wednesday, a commitment was made that salaries would be processed this week.

“The centre has agreed to provide transport money to staff in the meantime,” he added.

Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo acknowledged the current challenges faced by the Helen Bishop Home regarding staff remuneration.

“The department has been actively engaging with the Helen Bishop Home management team, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, to expedite the resolution of these challenges,” she said.

Mxekezo added that the department was committed to finalising the necessary administrative processes to ensure the facility meets all compliance requirements.

“Once these requirements are met, the memorandum of understanding will be finalised and implemented, enabling the disbursement of allocated funding.

“The department recognises the essential services provided by the Helen Bishop Home and is working diligently to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible. We value the dedication of the caregivers and support staff who continue to provide critical care to residents despite these temporary challenges.

“We anticipate a positive outcome from our ongoing discussions and will provide further updates as the process advances,” Mxekezo said.

Department of Social Development spokesperson Gamiem Abrahams stated that the department pays a subsidy per child, based on the centre’s business plan.

“All payments up to the end of March 2025 were paid in full. The new business plan is receiving attention,” he added.

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Helen Bishop Home staff 'suffering' amid salary delays