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Today, ActionSA met with security guards who are striking outside R.K. Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, after they downed tools due to not receiving June salaries, which ultimately led to the hospital terminating the contract with their company, leaving all personnel out of work. 

Prior to our meeting with the protesters, I had a telephone conversation with one of the security guards, requesting that the strike be peaceful and that there is no damage to property. ActionSA is pleased that they have conducted themselves as law-abiding South Africans pursuant to my earlier telephonic exchange. 

We were able to assure them that we are in conversation with the newly appointed security company that has temporarily taken over at the hospital and have requested that they absorb the personnel who are now without work, in an effort to save their jobs. 

We have noted all questions and suggestions made by the personnel, and we will ensure that the Head of the Department for Health is aware of these requests.

In an instance where an individual has not been reemployed due to having been seen engaging in the strike, we have requested that they inform us if such happens, as this will be an infringement of their rights. 

However, one has to acknowledge that this is a temporary solution to this issue while we continue our work to find a more permanent solution.

We have reassured the group that as we head towards the 2024 elections, the processes of insourcing of all security guards will be on our agenda.

The biggest issue that remains is that in the midst of a crisis, leaders are often absent and allow for situations to worsen before taking action steps.

It is also worth noting that the MEC for Health, Ms Nomagugu Simelane, and the HOD for Health, Dr Sandile Tshabalala, have not yet responded to the letter we sent to them requesting that they treat this situation with the utmost urgency.

This is not the kind of leadership that the people of KZN should be subjected to, and we are working towards ensuring that we rid the province of such leadership.

Issued by ActionSA KZN Provincial Chairperson Zwakele Mncwango