Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae faced heavy criticism in October 2024 when health workers’ contracts weren’t renewed, alongside over a hundred workers from her office whose contracts were also terminated. Opposition parties, including the EFF, staged protests demanding her resignation, accusing the provincial government of failing to protect jobs.

The Free State ANC was not spared criticism. Provincial Secretary-General Polediso Motsoeneng promising to address the workers’ grievances while highlighting the necessity of adhering to financial and legal obligations.

In December 2024, the Free State Department of Health announced that health workers whose contracts had ended would be reinstated. MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi clarified that the reemployment was not a new hiring process but an extension of previous contracts. 

The decision was made possible after the National Treasury provided financial relief, enabling the department to extend the contracts for another 12 months.

“Our health facilities need staff,” Letsoha-Mathae said. “There’s a lot of staff shortages, but budget constraints are a significant challenge. So people must not think that because they were on contracts we had an agenda to remove them, no we are controlled by budget.”

The reinstated workers resumed duties on Thursday (2/1) to help alleviate the burden on existing staff. The health department has come under scrutiny for staff shortages, exacerbated by budget constraints. A recent incident at MUCPP Clinic in Mangaung highlighted the crisis.

Last week, Vuyolwam Majuba shared a disturbing account on social media of an elderly man lying helplessly outside the clinic gates with his children late at night. The security guard reportedly stated that the clinic only assisted women in labour after hours.

Acting departmental spokesperson Bonny Sehularo explained that MUCPP’s operating hours had been reduced from 24 hours to 07:00 to 19:00 in June due to severe staff shortages. Emergency maternity services remain operational 24/7, while primary healthcare services have been strengthened at Pelonomi Hospital.

Sehularo said a public awareness campaign was conducted to inform residents about the changes in operating hours and alternative healthcare options. The department also promoted the use of the Bophelo app and a dedicated USSD number (*134*1234#) to improve access to ambulance services.

The department said it was actively working to secure funding for additional staff to restore 24-hour services for casualty and outpatient care at MUCPP. Letsoha-Mathae called on Free State residents to help the government address challenges in the health sector.

“We don’t have all the answers, but we need constructive suggestions and solutions from our people. Our goal is to ensure our communities receive the healthcare they deserve, despite the budgetary challenges we face,” she said.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg