Media statement
Friday, 22 November 2024
Mbombela – The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Mpumalanga is outraged on the incident that took place at Phola Nsikazi were two of its members were assaulted by a relative who accompanied a patient at the facility.
DENOSA views this act as a barbaric act towards health care professionals and worse in this case one of the nurses is an elderly female. As DENOSA we appreciate the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the quick response on arresting the alleged perpetrator, but we are further disappointed on the Justice system that released the same perpetrator on Monday the 24 February 2025, we believe that a strong message must be sent to the community on the way they act towards health care professionals.
This act is followed by the recent burglaries of clinics in the Mbombela Sub district, namely Sand River clinic, Tshabalala clinic and the recent one being Gutshwa clinic which had two burglaries in one Month.
Unfortunately, until the community understands that health care workers have the right to work in safe environments as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) No 85 of 1993, health care services will always be affected as w we see now with Phola Nsikazi being closed since Friday
DENOSA is therefore calling for:
· The Department of Health to educate community members on procedure for raising complains.
· The Office of the Premier to follow suite, and join all other 8 provinces as well as the National Department of Health by allowing the department of health to Procure and Manage the Security company as it is currently Procured under the Department of Community Safety and Liaison (DCSSL).
· To prioritise Safety and Security for all facilities, by fencing all facilities correctly in the next financial year.
End.
Issued by DENOSA in Mpumalanga.
For more information, contact:
Cyril Mdhluli, Provincial Secretary.
Mobile: 072 564 0136.
