Burning tyres at Joburg Hospital

31 May 2018

Protesting workers at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital burnt tyres and blocked entrances yesterday, causing fear and disruption for patients and staff.

A nurse described to me how she feared for her safety when she couldn’t drive her car out at 1pm because of a burning tire and aggressive protestors.

The workers’ grievances are about unpaid performance bonuses and the current wage negotiations.

I am highly concerned that disruption continues at this hospital which was violently trashed a month ago.

Leratong hospital on the West Rand has also been affected by workers who have blockaded the hospital, causing the cancellation of all non-emergency surgery.

The Gauteng Health Department needs to settle worker grievances speedily and fairly, but disruption of hospitals should not be tolerated as they provide an essential service.

Issued by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 31 May 2018