Tshepong Hospital spokesperson, Nico Masiu, says the hospital was adversely affected by the strike by members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), coupled with the ongoing unrest in Jouberton township this morning.

Masiu says the hospital is located at the entrance of Jouberton and was bound to be affected by any unrest. The protest resulted in hospital staff being unable to enter the hospital premises, after entrances to the hospital were barricaded with burning tyres. He says the situation became much calmer just after 12:00, with staff gaining access to the hospital. Despite the calmer situation, most staff did not turn up for work, specifically nurses and administration clerks, citing fear of victimisation as the reason. As a result, the hospital is functioning with low staff numbers, forcing doctors to attend to patients’ needs while some nurses are away. He says hospital management has, in the light of today’s events, decided to discharge patients.

According to Masiu, the hospital is going to “discharge as many patients as possible because of the few hands that we have”. The possibility that protests will flare up again has also contributed to the decision by the hospital. He says patients will be discharged with their medication. Families of patients at the hospital are urged to check if their loved ones have been discharged or not during hospital visiting times.

Protests have spread to Klerksdorp and surrounding areas today. Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says the unrest is not only in Jouberton township in Klerksdorp but also in Hartbeesfontein, Khuma, and Kanana near Orkney, as well as Ikageng located outside Potchefstroom. He says instances of looting have been reported and arrests have been made. He cannot confirm the number of arrests yet. Today’s events come amid Nehawu’s statement that strike action at the North West Health Department would be intensified.

OFM News