The Gauteng Department of Health has noted with concern the circulation of false and misleading information to lay counselors and community health workers in the province.
This information claims that the department intends to terminate the contracts of lay counselors and community health workers. The department calls on the counselors and community health workers to ignore this information as it is untrue and false.
The department would like to assure lay counselors and community health workers of its commitment to work with them directly and to pay their stipends when they become due.
Briefings session will be held in districts to inform lay counselors and community health workers on the process that will be followed to finalise their new contracts for this financial year. Lay counselors and community health workers are urged to remain at their workstations until this process is finalised.
The department intends to renew the current contract for three months until the process of contracting with lay counsellors and community health workers is finalised.
The department has been paying the stipends of lay counselors and community health workers directly since December. This process has been ongoing and stipends for March have been processed for payment this week.
It is anticipated that a total of 7 976 community health workers will be paid by the end of the month. The department urges those who may experience challenges in receiving their stipends to consult their nearest district office.
As the department, we remain committed to ensuring that all registered community health workers receive their stipends as per the decision to pay them directly. They continue to provide essential services in our communities and we appreciate their work.
The department is currently is in the process of contracting with non-governmental organisation who assist in the implementation of various programmes in the communities.
This is not a new process but one that has been undertaken over the years. Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) are also called upon to cooperate with the process to ensure a continued working relationship with the department. The department rejects attempts by some leaders of NGOs to subvert the department's internal processes leading to the finalisation of contracts.
The department will not accede to a call by these leaders who want a three-year contract instead of one year renewable contract linked to a fair and transparent process.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
