The spokesperson for the National Department of Health, Foster Mohale, says at least six health facilities have been left in a bad state within the three different provinces.

In the Free State, the destroyed hospitals are Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein and Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital in Qwa-Qwa; in the North West, Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp and Moses Kotane Hospital in Rustenburg; and in the Northern Cape, Kimberley and Upington Hospitals have also been affected.

"The department respects the right to strike by members of the trade unions as enshrined in the Constitution. However such right should not violate the constitutionpal rights of others to life and access to healthcare," he adds. 

Mohale says the department is working closely with provincial health authorities and law enforcement agencies to monitor the situation to ensure a rapid response and any necessary urgent interventions to minimise the impact of the strike on the provision of essential health services.

"Any form of violence and intimidation directed at health workers, patients and infrastructure is condemned in the strongest terms." 

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

Nehawu's strike commenced on Monday, 6 March 2023 at different hospitals in various provinces. It is understood that the strike has continued despite the Department of Public Service and Administration getting an interdict. It has been explained that the department offered a 4.7% salary increase, while unions are asking for between 10% and 12%.

At Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Hospital in Qwa-Qwa, Free State, the staff who finished their shift in the morning were unable to leave the premises, and those whose shifts started in the morning could not gain access into the hospital. The staff was not the only ones affected; patients could not get medication or a medical checkup. 

ALSO READ:  Nehawu members arrested during protest – VIDEOS

At Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein, at least four members of Nehawu were arrested during the protest. "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 attending to the previous issues. Last year we were given 3% unilaterally increase. 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 servants," said the provincial secretary of Nehawu, Khauhelo Mnqibisa. 

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