SUBSCRIBE
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

Widespread strike affects patients, healthcare workers

The national strike by Nehawu has entered its second week as healthcare workers downed tools. 'We advise locals in need of medical attention to seek it in less risky healthcare institutions outside the impacted regions,' says the health department

by Vateka Halile
13th March 2023
in Trending
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
The national strike by Nehawu has entered its second week and has been devastating to the sector as healthcare workers downed tools. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The national strike by Nehawu has entered its second week and has been devastating to the sector as healthcare workers downed tools. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) embarked on a nationwide strike a week ago and the effect on the health sector has been challenging. The department of health has lauded healthcare professionals who continue to work despite the difficulties, however, if the strike is not ended soon, consequences will be dire.

According to Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national department of health, the situation has been chaotic since last week in some of the most affected provinces, including Mpumalanga, Gauteng, KZN, the Eastern Cape, and certain areas of the Free State.

He states that many organisations responded to calls for assistance from concerned citizens by cleaning the hospitals, assisting patients with pottery, and preparing meals, as it has been challenging for hospital cooks to be able to go to work.

“We advise locals in need of medical attention to seek it in less risky healthcare institutions outside the impacted regions.”

National health department spokesperson Foster Mohale

Participation from the Western Cape’s in the strike was reported, says Mohale, however, recent reports indicate that things are again under control.

National health department spokesperson Foster Mohale. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

“This is a challenging period in the health department nationwide; we have advised certain hospitals to discharge those with less complex issues until this struggle is over,” Mohale explains.

Four people are thought to have died “in a way that might be directly related to the strike”, health minister Dr Joe Phaahla’s said in a statement last week.

In that regard, Mohale says since the incident is still being looked into, they are unable to comment on the alleged deaths from the strike. He says that due to its initial sensitivity, they would collect information and provide anything concrete later.

Mohale expressed his appreciation for the healthcare professionals who continue to work despite the difficulties. He goes on to state that some people do manage to work and that they put in extra effort and work longer hours.

“We wish this could cease right now, but regrettably we are unable to predict when it will stop since other public sector unions are joining Nehawu in chanting the same tune,” adds Mohale.

How will the strikers fare?

In a statement made by the national health department, the minister of health, Dr Joe Phaahla, emphasised that those who are found to have created disruptions would be reprimanded, and those who do not work will not be paid.

“We again want to appeal to the leadership of Nehawu that while we don’t want to interfere with their rights as enshrined in the Constitution to withdraw their services, this must be done in the manner that respects that health services are essential services.”

Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla

On Monday morning, as Phaahla visited the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital on the East Rand, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) monitored access points at the hospital.

The facility was severely affected last week, reports Business Day. “All our outpatient departments were closed, the entire therapeutic section was closed and, unfortunately, the theatre had to close because we had no staff. Maternity was also closed,” Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital CEO Dr Michael Malaka told Business Day.

The Nehawu strike, which is now in its second week, is having a particularly negative impact on the hospital.

This week, several unionised employees quit their jobs in protest of their demand for a 10% pay raise.

The government maintained their 3% offer for the financial year 2022–2023, and the union promised to step up its walkout this week.

ALSO READ: Doctor Xulu turns thorns into a bed of roses

Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.

Tags: Department of Health
Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile

Vateka Halile grew up in rural areas of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape. She was raised in a traditional family setting and found writing to be a source of comfort and escape. Vateka participated in an online citizen journalism course through Food For Mzansi, and her passion for health and medicine-related stories was born. Her dedication to community work and love for social justice and solidarity spaces is evident in her quality time with the community when she isn't working.

Related Articles

Trending

Student hunger crisis spurs vital UCT intervention

by Niémah Davids
4th July 2025
Achooooo! Tame winter allergies and take back control
Trending

Act fast with allergies: Anaphylaxis can be deadly

by Staff Reporter
2nd July 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness
Nutrition

Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness

by Vateka Halile
8th July 2025

Think you can thrive on meat alone? Think again! While some praise the carnivore diet for curbing cravings, experts warn...

Read moreDetails

Pill by pill: How addiction nearly destroyed a mother’s life

7th July 2025

Student hunger crisis spurs vital UCT intervention

4th July 2025
Enjoying the sun

Catch the morning sun for better health in winter

3rd July 2025
Achooooo! Tame winter allergies and take back control

Act fast with allergies: Anaphylaxis can be deadly

2nd July 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

Carnivore diet: Experts warn against meat-only madness

Pill by pill: How addiction nearly destroyed a mother’s life

Student hunger crisis spurs vital UCT intervention

Catch the morning sun for better health in winter

Act fast with allergies: Anaphylaxis can be deadly

Tradition meets taste: Goat meat gets a modern twist

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers