Public servants picket outside Madadeni Hospital for better pay

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On Monday, 31 October 2022 a small group of protestors picketed outside Madadeni Hospital, joining in on a national initiative. 

The group consisted of various unions, such as the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), and a small group of employees from the local hospital.

Braving the cold, wet weather conditions, the protestors were determined to have their voices heard.

Regional Secretary of NEHAWU, Siyabonga Magwaza explained that the picket action follows the national deadlock salary negotiations between public servants and the South African Government.

“Today, there is a consolidation process underway at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC), where unions and the government sector are trying to find suitable grounds to meet on the salary negotiations,” he began.

Therefore, Magwaza said that the action at the Madadeni Hospital was one of several being held across South Africa, with unions meeting outside various government facilities.

This included the Ladysmith Hospital, the Department of Transport in Nongoma, the Department of Education in Kokstad, and the Provincial Legislature in Durban Central.

“We are having a peaceful picket, showing our support for the current negotiations and we are simply asking for what is due to us. Public servants have not received a salary increase since 2018.”

With Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana recently highlighting that the government would give public servants a 3% increase, Magwaza said when looking at the ever-increasing cost of living, the 3% increase would amount to virtually nothing.

“Public servants feel betrayed by the government and Godongwana must not feel that they are doing us a favour by offering us 3%,” added Magwaza.

Furthermore, COSATU said that it strongly believed that their demand of 10% across the board remains justified, especially when taking into consideration the volatile economic conditions and the rising inflation which are above the expected nominal bands of 3% and 6%.

As public servants now stand unified, determined to see their demands met, what are your thoughts on all of this? 

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