Nursing students took to the streets in Mangaung to air their frustrations and anger over a variety of issues said to be troubling them. 

The disgruntled Diploma in General Nursing (R171) students on the Southern campus allegedly made three main demands. These include remunerated placements in the provincial Health Department. The protesting students also want accommodation if the placement is in the Free State and a temporary professional licence to practice.

According to the departmental spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, the department was offering them stipends and accommodation whilst practicing as Free State School of Nursing (FSSON) students, pending the South African Nursing Council's (SANC) professional entry exam.

He said this is in consideration of the strict regulations by the nursing council for no one to be allowed to practice medicine or handle patients without being registered to do so. Mondli added that the negotiations are going on and he said the department trusts that an amicable resolution will be found.

"The delegation of the Free State Department of Health is engaged in negotiations with the representatives of third-year students on the Southern campus," Mondli added.

In March, hundreds of National Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) members took to the streets, also over demands for increased compensation.

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Nehawu‘s provincial secretary, Khauhelo Mnqibisa, said their demonstration is a result of the government’s collective bargaining. It is understood that the department offered a 4.7% salary increase, while unions are asking for between 10% and 12%.

Patients at the biggest hospital in the province, the Pelonomi Hospital, were lately left stranded due to the protests.

The protests have carried on despite the department’s court interdict. 

Nehawu, however, appealed that interdict. The Labour Court has since 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 protests

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