On Thursday, irate healthcare workers at Pelonomi handed over their memorandum of grievances to the head (HOD) of the Health Department, Godfrey Mahlatsi, in relation to the shortage of staff, outstanding overtime payments, and the removal of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Union's provincial chairperson, Moeketsi Napo, says they welcome the removal of the CEO but the union will further keep a watchful eye on how the department will implement these resolutions as envisaged by workers.

“Through our discussion, we have agreed that the department should develop an action plan in terms of how these issues are going to be addressed. As the union, we will be monitoring in that regard, in terms of making sure that what they have committed to do, they are indeed doing it,” Napo adds.

Yesterday, Mahlatsi - flanked by two other officials - met with the disgruntled workers who vented their frustration. Workers complain about varying issues, which included contracts and ageing infrastructure.

After the announcement, the CEO was moved aside. Mahlatsi explained that the decision was not influenced by the strike, as the department treats their employees with respect and they will not bow under pressure just to trample on other people’s rights. The department sees it fit to rearrange the management of the institution and the matter is being treated with sensitivity.

READ MORE: #BreakingNews: Pelonomi CEO moved aside - VIDEO

“The decision was made prior to the strike. She knows and she can attest to the fact that we have had engagements with her before. The strike just happens to come after our decision. We did not want to announce it the way we have but we understand that there is a need for us to transform the management of this institution and it is our responsibility to do so,” Mahlatsi said.

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