On Monday, the departmental Health spokesperson in the province, Mondli Mvambi, warned workers against partaking in the Nehawu protest march. 

After appealing the interdict, Nehawu continued with the protests. The Labour Court stuck to its decision to interdict any form of work stoppages and pickets by Nehawu and stated that its members will be tantamount to contempt of court if they continued the protest.

ALSO READ: No work, no pay for Health workers in Nehawu strike

Mvambi also threatened workers after stating that health workers who participate in a strike during working hours will be charged with misconduct, and the department will be strict with the "no work, no pay" principle. It will be applied promptly without fear or favour. However, protests have since continued to escalate throughout hospitals in the province and countrywide.

ALSO READ: Nehawu firm on 10% wage increase

“The reality of the situation concerning this Nehawu strike is that it’s actually bad. It is collapsing the health system because right now patients have not been fed and attempts are being made to make sure they are getting fed by any means possible. Some were given food in the morning but not all patients could be given food, as a result, other dieticians have moved from wherever they were. They are rolling up their sleeves to make sure that they distribute the food,” said Mvambi.

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%.

ALSO READ: Nehawu members arrested during protest – VIDEOS

Four members of Nehawu were arrested during the protest at the Pelonomi Hospital. "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 a 3% unilateral 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.

ALSO READ: Nehawu strike leaves healthcare facilities in dismantled state

OFM News previously reported that the protest had left some health facilities in the Free State, North West and Northern Cape dismantled. 

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

OFM News