The workers, who were employed at the Specialist Hospital in Hospital Park, allege the owners, Dries Bekker and his wife, Annatjie, began paying their salaries in instalments in July, with employees receiving between 40% and 60% of their monthly wages at a time. 

Workers who spoke to OFM News and requested to remain anonymous, fearing victimisation, say the salary problems continued for months, leaving them unable to meet their financial commitments.

They allege that when the payment challenges began, management informed them that only 35% of their salaries would be paid on payday, with the remaining 65% to follow seven days later. Some employees claim they have since been blacklisted by creditors, while others have lost their accommodation because of the delayed payments.

‘Several creditors had not been paid since March’

In August, the Bekkers reportedly paid employees their full salaries on time, which workers believe was linked to a scheduled department of health inspection, as management wanted the hospital to be in good condition.

By September, employees were increasingly concerned about the hospital’s financial position, alleging several creditors had not been paid since March. When they sought answers, workers say they were assured the situation would improve, as prospective investors were reportedly interested in buying the business from its current owners.

Employees further allege they were instructed to stay home for three days after the company’s Wi-Fi and connectivity services were disconnected. On their return, they were allegedly forced to sign leave forms for the days they had been absent.

Retrenchment letters

Workers also claim some employees began leaving work earlier than usual, resulting in reduced salaries, particularly for those working shifts. At the end of September, staff members were briefed about planned retrenchments and told they would be informed which employees would be affected.

Days later, the facility manager reportedly contacted a group of approximately 12 employees who were at work and informed them that the retrenchment process would begin. Eight workers were reportedly issued with retrenchment letters that day. The following day, security personnel reportedly prevented all employees from entering the hospital building.

Workers were told not to enter the building. Photo supplied

They say the hospital manager initially informed them that a labour consultant would meet with them. However, about three hours later, they were told to return home because the consultant would not be arriving.

A retrenchment notice was subsequently circulated on the company’s WhatsApp group, with handwritten notices also reportedly sent to individual employees. The workers claim that, at the time, they had not received their salaries and were informed in a letter the owners were waiting for investors and did not have sufficient money to pay employees. They were reportedly promised payment within seven days.

A subsequent letter allegedly informed employees they would receive only half of their outstanding salaries. On 14 October, workers received another communication informing them that the remaining half would be paid. Employees said the second retrenchment letter did not clearly outline their entitlements, including October salaries, severance packages and other benefits.

Deadline

According to a retrenchment letter issued to employees with two years of service, they were expected to serve a month’s notice, which they were instructed to spend at home rather than at the hospital.

Workers say they were promised all their outstanding paperwork by 15 October, but the deadline passed without the documents being provided. They subsequently referred the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration.

The matter was scheduled to be heard on 23 October, but workers allege the hospital owners failed to attend. They claim when the commissioner contacted Bekker, he requested that the commissioner speak to his legal representative, saying he had nothing to say.

Employees also approached the department of employment and labour, but allege the owners remained uncooperative. When OFM News contacted the hospital owner, the call was answered by the hospital manager, who confirmed the facility had closed.

The manager said formal retrenchment letters and other outstanding documents would be sent to employees the following week, explaining the retrenchment process was only scheduled to take effect at the end of October.

She also confirmed she was among those affected by the retrenchments and promised that employees would receive their full salaries on time during the month.

However, workers say they are still waiting for their October salaries, retrenchment documents, and information needed to access their UIF benefits and other outstanding packages. In the latest communication to employees on Friday (30/10), the hospital manager indicated she was also in the same position as the affected workers and had submitted all the necessary documentation.

Approximately 49 employees have lost their jobs following the hospital's closure. OFM News has sent questions to the Bekkers regarding the outstanding salaries, retrenchment process, severance payments and employees’ allegations.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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