Speaking to OFM News at the Pelonomi Public Hospital in Bloemfontein, the Provincial Secretary, Khauhelo Mnqibisa, explained that they are continuing with the protest as they appealed the interdict. He said the total shutdown is mainly due to the manner in which the government is restricting collective bargaining. 

The negotiations between the union and government hit a deadlock as workers demand 10%, whilst the government offers way below. Mnqibisa said members of the union will continue to demonstrate their discontent as they cannot allow collective bargaining to be undermined or attacked.

ALSO READ: Nehawu members bring Free State hospital to a standstill

“It is our intention to proceed with the strike action until our demands are met. We cannot allow salary negotiations to proceed without us and without the previous issues being attended to. Remember last year we were given 3% unilateral. We were never engaged before it was implemented. So we are saying we are ready to demonstrate in this fashion until our own government meets our demands. We demand 10% as public service,” he said.

VIDEO: Lucky Nkuyane

Mqibisa further revealed that they were supposed to have protested in December, however, they could not embark on the strike as it was the festive period. He said Nehawu did not take part in the negotiations for the 3% that was offered by the government. Mqibisa further revealed his disappointment at the leading party for not attending to this matter urgently.

ALSO READ: Nehawu strike 'has not grounded health services to a complete halt'

“As members of Nehawu, we are community members, we are members of ANC but we are not happy. What is happening here would not have happened if the ruling party valued and respected the alliance partnership that we have with them. So they have demonstrated an element of arrogance, that is why we have embarked on this kind of industrial action,” concluded Mnibisa.

ALSO READ: Nehawu members arrested during protest - VIDEOS

Meanwhile, police arrested four members of the union who were involved in a protest march, after barricading the entrance of Pelonomi Hospital with burning tyres and stones.

VIDEO: Lucky Nkuyane

The provincial health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, said the department is aware that members of Nehawu blocked entrances and interfered with hospital operations at the Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital and Elizabeth Ross in Qwaqwa, the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, the Fezi Ngubentombi in Sasolburg, and the Boitumelo Hospital in Kroonstad on Monday morning. 

He said the department contacted law enforcement agencies to ensure that protesters are not violating people's constitutional right to health.

OFM News