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DENOSA in Ekurhuleni condemns the forceful closure of Phola Park Clinic by community in demanding electricity
Media statement
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Ekurhuleni condemns in the strongest terms the inconsiderate action by the community of Thokoza to force the closure of Phola Park Clinic because they are demanding the installation of electricity in the area.
This began on Monday night, and escalated on Tuesday morning where roads leading to the clinic were barricaded and stones thrown into the clinic, forcing operations to be stopped at the facility.
The anger of the community is that there is power at the clinic, although it is now operating on a generator as power cables have long been cut off by angry community members, whereas the community around it does not have one. The anger gets exacerbated at night when the facility is lit whereas community around it is in darkness.
As a result, the clinic is now closed and nursing staff have been distributed between four facilities closest to the area namely, Goba and Ramokonopi clinics in Katlehong, Jabulane Dumane Clinic in Vosloorus, and Bertha Gxowa hospital in Germiston.
While DENOSA is scheduled to meet with the MEC and community representatives over this matter, it is clear, however, that the Department of Health has not done anything wrong and that a solution to this challenge should be provided by the Department of Community Safety as well as community leaders who have not been able to manage this situation so far.
DENOSA calls on community leaders to stand up against these destructive acts so that patients from the same community are not deprived of the healthcare services that they need by fully abled and healthy people.
End
Issued by DENOSA in Ekurhuleni
For more information, contact:
Lebo Khumalo, DENOSA Ekurhuleni Regional Secretary
Mobile: 083 567 1534
Or
Simphiwe Gada, DENOSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson
Mobile: 072 563 1923
