By Thys Khiba – A Matlosana Local Municipality resident Neo Letsau who resides in Khuma near Stilfontein believes that the death of her mother could be connected to the wage strike led by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu).
“My mother was involved in a car accident on the 09th of February 2023, which resulted in her having spinal cord injuries.
“On the 13th of February she went to an operating theatre room at the hospital,” said Neo.
The Minister of health, Dr Joe Phaahla said there may be deaths “attributed directly to the strike” but this would only be confirmed upon receipt of a final consolidated report.
“I am not at liberty at this stage to discuss the matter but we will get legal advice sometime today or tomorrow,” said Phaahla.
In a social media post, Letsau linked the death of her late mother Lerato Letsau to the wage strike alleging that Klerksdorp-Tshepong hospital protest by Nehawu members indirectly killed her mother.
Speaking to Free State Central News, Neo indicated that her family was contacted and advised to discharge her mother due to shortage of staff members and lack of patient care.
Neo indicated that they struggled to get a wheelchair for her mother after they were forced by circumstances to discharge and take her home.
Free State Central News also learnt that the deceased was anasthmatic patient who was dependent on asthma medication.
Lerato [deceased] who was admitted at Tshepong Ward 2 passed away on the 07th of March after struggled to breathe as asthma patient.
“We decided to fetch my mother on the 07th after we were told that she is not receiving the best patient care and safety.
“At our arrival at home, my mother continued to give us a hard.
“She was passed away on the same day, while she was struggling to breathe,” said Neo.
The Klerksdorp-Tshepong Hospital spokesperson Tefo Tladiconfirmed that they had a patient named Lerato Letsau from 09 February to 07 March 2023.
NEHAWU (PICTURE SUPPLIED)
It is alleged that hospital workers from the cleaning, food services and nurse departments were denied access by protestors.
“The hospital believes the patient was discharged in a condition suitable for discharge and therefore deny any allegations.
“The affects of the strike was mainly at the gates were protestors were refusing people access to our facility.
“Inside the facility, the hospital tried its best to attend to all the patients,” said Tladi.
Meanwhile, Phaahla indicated that the department of health is working on a plan to return health services to normal in affected hospitals in KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape and Gauteng, which he indicated that they are being the worst “hit” by the strike.
While addressing media at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, Phaahla emphasised that for striking nurses, the “no work, no pay” policy would apply.
“In this circumstance it’s not surprising there are reports of South Africans who have died, whose deaths have been attributed directly to the strike. We will be following up on these [allegations of deaths]. There are also reports of other serious violations and violence of staff members which I will not go into until we get further details,” said Phaahla.
The union was interdicted from striking but on Monday Nehawuindicated they would appeal the interdict.
The Nehawu wage strike started on Monday after the Cosatuaffiliate lodged an appeal against a labour court order interdicting the planned work stoppage.
On Wednesday, the Johannesburg labour court granted the Gauteng health department an interdict which would prohibitNehawu members from interfering with health services during the strike.
“The South African Police Service has been ordered to take all steps necessary to give effect to the interim interdict including the removal and expulsion of any persons obstructing the rendering of services from properties and premises of Gauteng department of health.
“The interdict will remain in effect pending the court return date of 20 April 2023,” said the department.
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