Only sixty (60) out of twenty eight thousand and sixty seven (28 067) (0.2 %) employees of the Western Cape Department of Health were on strike on Friday, 3 September. The situation at the majority of hospitals and health care centres throughout the province, especially in rural areas, were normal.
There were two reports of disruption, both in Paarl. At TC Newman Community Day-care Centre, strikers blocked the entrance gates and caused minor disruptions. Patient appointments were rescheduled but emergencies were treated. Some striking nurses returned later and assisted with the backlog.
At Paarl Hospital there were pickets, but no intimidation or disruption of services. It is reported that the majority of picketers might be people not working at the hospital.
Issued by:
Theuns Botha
Western Cape Minister for Health
Hélène Rossouw
Media liaison
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
Email: herossou@pgwc.gov.za