Community health workers demand higher wages

Dozens of community healthcare workers marched to the Western Cape Department of Health in the Cape Town CBD demanding higher salaries on Thursday.

Marchers sang and held up placards that read: “Recognise health workers” and “Honour the Agreement”.

In a memorandum handed over to the department, the community care workers say that the national health department signed an agreement in June 2017 to standardise their salaries and these would increase to R3,500. They say the non-governmental organisations that employ them currently underpay. They receive a monthly stipend of only R2,000.

Nomabhaso Ndulo, who was protesting, said the agreement was meant to be implemented in April. “I want back pay. The increase will help me take my kids to school, pay rent, buy food and support my family … Health workers provide crucial services.”

Yoliswa Dyantyi, who works in Mfuleni, said the R2,000 stipend she earns is not enough to support her four kids. “I’m hungry now because I have no food at home,” she said. “If I get the increase, I will be able to buy my kids Christmas clothes and visit my family during the December holiday.”

NUPSAW (National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers) provincial organiser Zama Sonjica said community healthcare workers were being exploited by NGOs. “To avoid exploitation of the health workers, the department must take on the responsibility of paying them. The long-term goal of the union is to push for the workers to get the same benefits as civil servants,” he said.

Colleen Smart, spokesperson for the Western Cape health minister, received the memorandum. “We will study the contents of the memorandum and respond to them within a week,” she said.

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