InsiderBLM Africa
South On Monday, the country’s largest union of public sector employees persisted in its demonstrations in front of numerous hospitals. With significant law enforcement present to observe the rallies, the protest, which includes union members in the health and education sectors, is now in its second week.
The government has offered 4.7%, but the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union is asking for 10%. Until their demands are met, protesters have vowed to step up their protest activity.
Additionally, South African Defense Force personnel were stationed at the Vasloorus, east of Johannesburg, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital.
The military claims that medical personnel were sent to several public hospitals to lessen the effects of a strike that the government claims has resulted in several fatalities.
According to Phillip Makopo, spokesman for the South African army health service, “we have received a request from the minister of health to assist in the face of the ongoing strike and to ensure that services operate with little disruption.
Last week on Wednesday, “military health professionals were deployed to hospitals,” and “will remain there as required,” he said.
At least four patients had passed away, according to South African Health Minister Joe Phaahla, and their deaths “can be directly attributed to the strike.”
Patients were unable to access hospitals last week due to access points being blocked by strikers.
According to Joe Phaahla, the military is also assisting in securing access to the hospitals.
Four soldiers were stationed close to the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in southeast Johannesburg on Monday morning, while police officers patrolled the entrance.
Nursing and maintenance staff started a work stoppage a week ago as part of a strike that has affected several public hospitals. They demanded a 10% pay increase, but the government only agreed to a 4.7% increase.
The strikers are still in the streets despite the courts’ Monday order to stop the protest.
