Phiwokuhle Mothemela
The Eastern Cape Health Department said it had authorised the outstanding payment of overtime to nurses and staff at Dora Nginza Hospital in Gqeberha who were engaged in what the Department said was an unprotected strike.
On Wednesday, hospital management, including acting CEO Dr Zukiso Nxiweni, were locked in a meeting with union representatives to resolve the impasse.
Provincial Health Department spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the department had authorised the payments which would be processed on the next payment run on 5 February 2025.
"Their overtime money will appear in the workers' bank accounts on February 10," Ndamase confirmed.
He denounced the strike action.
"Although people have the right to protest, they must do so within the ambit of the law. No one should be blocking entrances to the hospital as that might have serious consequences for those in desperate need of medical attention," Ndamase said.
"We can also confirm that the acting CEO and management [are meeting] with the leaders of all the admitted unions to discuss the workers' grievances.
"We regret the inconvenience that was caused by the unprotected action."
