Cape Town – At least four people may have died as a result of the ongoing nationwide strike by members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), Health Minister Joe Phaahla said on Thursday.
Phaahla said this while briefing the media during a visit to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
“At least four people are likely to have lost their lives in a manner which we can attribute directly to the strike. We have a legal team which we are consulting to look at what are our options in that regard,” Phaahla said.
At least 4 people have died due to the strike actions so far. Phaahla said they would update the media on the number should it increase. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/GWK68WYP9W
— Reitumetse Makwea (@reitumakwea) March 9, 2023
He was accompanied Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The strike entered its fourth day on Thursday, with Nehawu members demanding a salary increase of 10–12% while the government is offering offered 4.7%.
Phaahla was briefed about the situation outside Helen Joseph Hospital, where striking workers on Thursday blocked the main entrance, Times Live reported.
The minister and his contingent were prevented from entering the premises at the same entrance.
“It can’t be correct, if that is the main gate [then] no-one has the right with or without a court order … to obstruct access to any health facility. So what is happening at that main gate is not correct,” the report quoted Phaahla as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
