Healthcare workers in Botshabelo, Mangaung, are up in arms following the termination of 1300 contracts by Free State Health MEC Viceroy Mahlatsi. These contracts were initially offered in 2020 at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The MEC’s office cited financial constraints as the reason for the contract terminations, stating that the department is unable to sustain the payment of Covid-19 salaries due to a tight fiscal space.
The repercussions of this decision have been felt across various clinics in Botshabelo, with disrupted services and protests by affected health workers. On Friday, a group of health workers marched to the premier’s office to demand reinstatement and even called for the premier’s resignation. Sello Lebona, a member of the Gabriel Dichabe Clinic Committee, expressed concerns that the termination of these workers could potentially bring healthcare services to a standstill.
Since Monday, there has been widespread disruption at clinics in Botshabelo, with reports of patients being denied access to clinics. The reduced staff numbers are already impacting services, with clinics like Bophelong and Winnie Mandela Clinic experiencing significant staff shortages. Esther Mokhele, the manager at Winnie Mandela Clinic, expressed her worries about operating 24 hours without adequate night staff.
Tikoe Chalale, a former employee at Pelonomi hospital, shared her frustration at being immediately dismissed, highlighting the negative impact on services at the mega hospital. Sylvia Rapulana, a clerk at Potlako Motlohi Clinic, voiced her disappointment at losing her job and questioned the reasons behind the sudden terminations.
The Free State health department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, defended the decision, stating that budgetary constraints and performance issues were factors in the non-renewal of contracts. Meanwhile, MEC Mahlatsi urged residents to protect public properties amidst the unrest caused by the contract terminations.
Despite the challenges faced by the healthcare workers, the department has appointed 150 replacements set to start on 1 November. While the situation remains tense, it is clear that the impact of these contract terminations will have far-reaching consequences on healthcare services in Botshabelo.
