These were the words of the MEC for Health in the North West, Madoda Sambatha, as he addressed those who allegedly remunerated themselves, resulting in the ongoing protests of health workers at the Witrand and Potchefstroom Hospitals in Potchefstroom.  

It followed the shooting of rubber bullets at health workers by the police, as these workers were protesting in what Sambatha claimed to be "unprotected strikes". Sambatha told eNCA that health employees argue that management have allegedly remunerated themselves with bonuses while excluding everyone else, who also qualify for bonuses.

“Assume that the claim that some people paid themselves [is correct] - we are going to discipline them. And we will recoup state money that has gone to people wrongfully. I am saying, assume the claim that some people paid themselves - we will discipline them, we don’t fear them," Sambatha said.

Sambatha says he will afford both the management and National Education, Health, and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) the opportunity to represent themselves in the meeting, taking place on Thursday, with regard to any alleged fraud or non-payment of bonuses. Thereafter a decision will be made by him, today [Thursday], stipulating the plans and processes with regard to non-payment.

OFM News previously reported on the protest action that took place at the Potchefstroom hospital earlier this week.

Also read: Disgruntled healthcare workers protest over non-payment

Videos are making rounds on the Internet of dangerous medical waste that has been discarded in the hallways of the hospitals. Additionally, Sambatha makes references to tyres being burned inside the hospital, which concerns him as this is to the detriment of patients’ livelihoods.

Employees of both the Witrand Hospital in Potchefstroom, as well as the Potchefstroom Hospital, are engaging in the protest action.

OFM News/Lee Simmons