Johannesburg – Striking workers have been accused of setting alight fires at the entrances of the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto.
Jack Bloom – Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health on Wednesday said patients were suffering from “NEHAWU [National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union] disruptions”.
The union embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday to press for higher salary increases. The strike has affected hospitals and other health facilities as well as other government offices.
The DA MPL said some staff spent the night at the hospital because of the intimidation by the strikers.
“It is unacceptable to burn tyres and intimidate staff who are needed to save people’s lives,” said Bloom.
“Many patients can barely afford transport money to hospitals where they have now been turned away.
“NEHAWU has embarked on this action in support of their wage demands despite a court interdict to stop the strike.
“Our hospitals are already overburdened with large backlogs – this is the last thing they need.”
Bloom said the police need to maintain law and order at health facilities, including arrests and removal of lawless troublemakers.
