Dr Mathume Joseph Phaahla
Minister of Health
Private Bag X9070
Cape Town
8000
Dear Honourable Minister Phaahla
Request for urgent intervention in the case of Eastern Cape healthcare workers’ plight
1. I have been approached by activists that represent a group of 8399 healthcare workers who hail from the Eastern Cape to ask for the urgent intervention of your good office.
2. As I understand these desperate souls are, as we speak, camped out at the National Department of Health to make their voice heard (see pics), after their struggle with the Department ran into obstacle after obstacle.
3. I have attached a self-explanatory media release, dated 11 January 2022, to this letter that details their struggle to find recognition.
4. It is a crying shame that we have qualified healthcare workers in this country who cannot find permanent employ, whilst we all know what the current staff shortages are at Eastern Cape healthcare facilities.
5. I press upon you the desperation of these peoples’ plight. They are in many cases sole breadwinners in their extended families and are willing to work, but government is not stepping up to the plate.
6. I sincerely hope, that as a starting point, you are willing to listen to their grievances, but that you also have a plan in place to find permanent employment, not only for the sake of these qualified healthcare workers, but also for a South Africa that needs these people’s skills.
7. I would be happy to put you in touch with them.
8. I hope to soon receive a response to this letter.
Yours faithfully
Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP
President of the United Democratic Movement
Copied to: Eastern Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth
the affected Eastern Cape Healthcare workers
