South Africa: Health Workers to Stage Protests Across Cape Town This Month
[GroundUp] Community health workers are demanding permanent public service jobs
Community health workers in Cape Town are planning to stage protests this month, demanding permanent public sector jobs. The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) is leading the effort alongside community health workers (CHWs). The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW) acknowledges the valuable role CHWs play but has not yet committed to permanently employing them.
NUPSAW argues that as they are not directly employed by the department, they do not receive benefits like medical aid or pension. Protesters claim they have engaged with the government, marched, and picketed, but remain committed to their cause, stating they will continue picketing until their demands are met. CHWs, such as Salaama Abrahams, face challenges including gang violence and the lack of necessary resources to provide quality care.
One CHW, who is a single parent, struggles to meet monthly expenses with her stipend. The WCDHW maintains that the Labour Court ruling on permanent employment does not apply to the Western Cape, as CHWs are employed by health organisations, not directly by the department.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
