Zeerust: Workers at the Zeerust Hospital in the Ramotshere-Moiloa Sub District have today resolved to return to work following a meeting led by the North West Health MEC Sello Lehari earlier today.

Accompanied by the provincial, district and hospital management team, together with the Chairperson of the hospital board and the local councillor, MEC Lehari allowed the workers to present their issues.

The workers who are affiliated to the three unions of DENOSA, NEHAWU and HOSPERSA have been protesting for the past two days. They presented several issues which they demanded should be addressed. These issues were contained in a memorandum of demands which was handed to the MEC and read in the presence of all who were in attendance.

The main issue among the demands raised was payment of the 30% overtime. This issue was seen as a contributing factor or as a result of other associated issues of demands like shortage of personnel, which they said was at a critical level, filling of replacement posts, the old and non responsive structure, too many acting positions, translation of the ranks of some of the employees and appointment of a full time CEO.

Other issues raised include providing personnel for distribution of patients food, management of the food service tender, the need to be consulted on nurses uniform, renovated ward remain unused and the need to upgrade the hospital infrastructure.

When responding to the workers’ demands, MEC Lehari assured the workers that the majority of the issues raised are being attended to except that there seems to be a communication gap between management and the workers. He was however quick to point out that the purpose of the meeting was to find solutions.

“The core issue which is payment of overtime exceeding 30% is receiving attention at the highest level. At the provincial level, the CFO has assured me that the Department has managed to set aside about R51 million to pay all workers categories who are illegible. The Department is ready to pay, we only await approval from the National Department of Public Service and Administration. I can assure you of my commitment to make a follow up with the national ministry and within seven days I will come to give you feedback”, said MEC Lehari.

MEC Lehari also encouraged both the management and the union to have planned meetings to discuss all the issues raised by the workers. For example MEC Lehari informed the workers that the Department has set aside R71 million for upgrading of the hospital, the project is about to start yet the workers did not know. The workers were also not aware that the demand for filling of posts was being addressed as the nurses posts are to be advertised.

The meeting ended on a positive note as the workers resolved to return to work. The Acting Hospital CEO made a commitment to work with the unions to resolve all the outstanding issues and to brief the workers on a regular basis.

Enquiries Mr Tshegofatso Mothibedi Spokesperson 0735035045 / 0605673513

For any further information:

Ms Keletso Ratlhagane Deputy Director: Media Relations 0609801091 ksratlhagane@nwpg.gov.za

ISSUED BY NORTH WEST DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

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