Healthcare workers have disrupted services at clinics around Botshabelo in Manguang, following the termination of 1300 contracts by Free State Health MEC Viceroy Mahlatsi. The dismissed staff were contracted in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“The department is unfortunately in the situation where it cannot sustain the payment of Covid-19 salaries in view of the tight fiscal space that it finds itself in,” the MEC’s office said in a statement.

Widespread disruption

On Friday, affected health workers marched to the premier’s office, demanding to be reinstated. They also called for the premier’s resignation.

Sello Lebona, a member of the Gabriel Dichabe Clinic Committee, warned that the termination of 1300 workers may bring services to a standstill.

“Government decisions should be blamed if no clinic will be operational on Monday,” he said.

Since Monday there’s been widespread disruption of services at various clinics across Botshabelo. The video below shows patients being blocked from entering Potlako Motlohi Clinic. 

On Tuesday Health-e News witnessed similar scenes outside Pule Sefatsa Clinic. 

Reduced staff will impact services

Services will also be impacted by the loss of staff. Bophelong Clinic has lost five workers: two professional nurses, two auxiliary healthcare workers and one cleaner.

Winnie Mandela Clinic that operates 24 hours has lost six workers. 

“We are currently understaffed, the termination was done without consulting us and we don’t know how we’ll get through this challenge. We are operating 24 hours and we don’t have enough night staff,” says Winnie Mandela Clinic manager Esther Mokhele. 

Tikoe Chalale, who was working at Pelonomi hospital, says it was frustrating to be immediately dismissed.

“Pelonomi is a mega hospital, with over 20 of us dismissed, you can imagine how disturbing it is to the services. I was helping with taking tests of patients and now I’m not working,” Chalale says.

Sylvia Rapulana, a clerk at Potlako Motlohi Clinic in Botshabelo, hoped to get a permanent position. She says the termination of her contract is a slap in the face.

“You can imagine losing your job at this time of the year. Unemployment is high and you can wonder what the reason is for firing us,” says Rapulana. “They say they don’t have money but promise to bring our replacements on the first of November.” 

Sources within Premier Mathae’s office claim 150 replacements have been appointed and will be starting on 1 November.

No money for contract workers’ pay 

Free State health department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi tells Health-e News: “A worker on contract knows that an employer may choose not to renew or hire whoever it wants. We acknowledge the need to have enough staff at all facilities but we cannot do so due to issues relating to budget and performance.”

In a statement on Tuesday MEC Mahlatsi called on residents to “protect public properties that are often targeted”. 

“While the department will be negatively affected by the non-extention of Covid-19 contracts as at the end of October 2024, it would be improper to let people continue working when their salaries won’t be paid,” the statement reads. – Health-e News