DENOSA statement on the remaining status quo at unsafe Ramokonopi CHC in Katlehong

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Ekurhuleni notes the lack of urgency in addressing poor security at Ramokonopi CHC in Katlehong, which, after the assault of a nurse multiple times, resulted in our withdrawal of our members from such unsafe workplace until security is beefed up and capacitated adequately.

Because of the promise from the District that security concerns would have been resolved today, DENOSA had called on its members to report for duty at Ramokonopi CHC today, only to find that security is as poor as it was when they left. This left DENOSA with no other option but to return them back to report to their nearest safe clinics in the area.

DENOSA is disappointed that, to date, close to no progress has been registered in this regard despite the promise from Ekurhuleni Health District. On Monday, management promised to have at least 70% of our complaints addressed by today, so that nurses could return to their workplace.

DENOSA takes great exception to the untruths told by Chief Director in the media, that security has since been beefed up at the facility. This is far from the truth.

To date, only metal detectors and pepper spray have been added to security at the facility, which is far from being adequate.

What is more disappointing is that the District Security Manager has not yet visited the facility because of a car breakdown since Sunday, which says thousands words about the way the safety of staff in health facilities in the district is disregarded.

Once again, DENOSA calls on law enforcement agencies to speed up the process of arresting the perpetrators before further intimidation can be carried on the victim who remains traumatised and lives in great fear.

That no arrest has been made yet is sending a message that an attack of a health worker in a health facility is tolerable.
DENOSA still reiterates that it demands:

  • Beefing up of security at the facility and many others in the district;
  • Installation of panic buttons in all areas of the facilities, which must be easily accessible;
  • The adequate training of the security personnel on all areas of security risk in a facility;
  • Provision of full working equipment for security personnel.

As DENOSA, we are not shaking from our position that only when security is beefed at the facility will our members return to it when it is safe. After all, we are not surprised that the District did not live up to its promise two days ago. This matter has been sitting with them since March 2016!

Issued by DENOSA in Ekurhuleni

For more information, contact:

DENOSA Regional Secretary in Ekurhuleni, Lebohang Khumalo
Mobile: 083 567 1534
Website: www.denosa.org.za