The Khayelitsha Community Health Centre in Site B was closed today, after striking municipal workers entered the building and drove people out with sjamboks.
The incident took place in a building where the Western Cape Department of Health and the City of Cape Town jointly offers a support service to TB and AIDS patients.
Western Cape Health Minister, Theuns Botha, called on leaders of South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) to manage their members and at least not to interfere with essential services, and services that have a very significant impact on people’s lives and well-being.
He said he understood that striking municipal workers stormed into the building and locked the doors. The clinicians on duty asked the strikers not to interfere with their work, but the strikers chased the patients away with sjamboks. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was called, but in order not to run any risks with regard to staff and patients safety, it was decided to close the facility for the day.
The SAPS will guard the facility tomorrow as well, and be on standby in case of any unforeseen transgressions.
Enquiries:
Hélène Rossouw
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
E-mail: herossou@pgwc.gov.za
