Patients at Michael Mapongwana clinic, in Khayelitsha, were left stranded when staff downed tools to demand an increase in wages.
The employees, who are affiliated with the National Education Health Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), locked the clinic entrance prohibiting residents from accessing the facility.
The workers are demanding a 10% salary hike.
Nosicelo Nduku, one of the residents who were affected by the strike, said she was disturbed by the strike.
Nduku, from Section 34 in Harare, said she missed her doctor’s appointment. “I had an appointment to test my high blood pressure. I also needed my medication,” she said.
Nduku lambasted the workers for compromising their lives. She said they could have allowed patients with appointments and those at risk to enter.
“I don’t understand why they closed the gate and did not allowed us to enter. It seems they put money ahead of our lives. What if someone dies now and the government meets their demands tomorrow? Are they going to resurrect the life of that person?” asked Nduku.
Khayelitsha Health Forum (KHF) chair Mzanywa Ndibongo criticised the way union members conducted the strike. He said their behaviour could lead to black-on-black violence.
“We don’t have a problem with the strike because it is their prerogative to protest if they are not happy. But the issue here is how they conduct themselves. They cannot lock the gates for people not to visit the clinic. They forget that some people who visit the clinic or hospital are their relatives or family members. That must stick in their minds that they are paid to take care of the lives of the people that they are killing,” said Ndibongo. He cited that the union did not inform the community stakeholders for support.
Abulele Dyasi, communications officer for the department of health’s Khayelitsha Eastern sub-structure, said the strike started on Monday 6 March and was peaceful.
“Unfortunately, on Tuesday 7 March, protest action by NEHAWU members in the community of Khayelitsha disrupted services at Michael Mapongwana clinic and Khayelitsha District Hospital. Although the buildings were not damaged, the protest resulted in the temporary suspension of health services at these facilities,” she said.
Dyasi stated that engagements with union representatives are ongoing to ensure the commencement of services. She said the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness strongly condemns any action that affects the safety of patients and staff and also prevents the patients from accessing healthcare services.
