Over the past week, we have seen protests and disruption of classes at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College by disgruntled student nurses.
The department has been concerned that the protests had disrupted the functioning of the college and that students and staff were prevented to have access to the college.
As a precaution and in the interest of the safety of staff, students and the community, lectures were suspended in the college. This was also intended to allow for discussions to take place with students, staff and unions in a climate that is free of intimidation and disruption.
We met with all College principals last week to brief them about developments and measures that will be implemented to deal with challenges in Colleges. As part of the consultation process, we also met with representatives of Denosa and the Student Representative Councils (SRC’s)
As a result the following measures have been taken:
- The suspension of academic activity at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has been lifted with immediate effect
- A Task Team will be set up to investigate allegations that have been made by students and related matters
- The Task Team will comprise of independent professionals who largely understand the nursing education sector.
- The terms of reference will be announced within the next 7 days
- Pending the outcome of the investigation by the Task Team, a moratorium will be placed on exclusions of learners who did not work on public holidays from writing examinations. I must emphasise that this does not mean it is a blanket moratorium.
- Students have also levelled a number of allegations against three HOD’s in a memorandum submitted to the department. We have as a result decided as a precautionary measure to change the reporting lines of the affected HOD’s pending the outcome of this investigation.
- Labour relations issues that were raised will be dealt with by the labour relations unit of the department.
- We have undertaken an audit of all infrastructure challenges in nurses’ homes in Gauteng. The conditions of these homes are unacceptable and the process of identifying contractors to improve the situation is underway.
The Task Team will report its findings to the Department of Health and Social Development within 30 days.
Let me express my sincere gratitude to all principals, union representatives and students for their commitment in resolving this matter amicably.
I thank you!
