COSATU Gauteng Young Workers supports DENOSA student movement on their continued fight to get community service nurses payed their correct salary.

The Gauteng COSATU Young Workers have noted the continued exploitation of community service nurses by the Gauteng Department of Health, the majority of whom are young workers. We find it unacceptable that every year we must fight the department of health over same issues. It is even worse this year because these community service nurses are expected to render services in high risk health areas and are therefore exposed to contracting the deadly coronavirus without even being paid a decent salary.

The Gauteng Department of Health is aware that the cost of living has increased and that almost everything is expensive, but it continues to pay these students a stipend, when they are no longer students. Their responsibilities have increased this year. They pay for their own accommodation and are taking care of many households due to job losses because of the virus.

COSATU Young Workers in the province will support any action taken by Gauteng DENOSA Student Movement to fight for community service nurses to get what they deserve. These community service nurses can’t be expected to function like registered nurses and in many instances lead other nurses whilst they earn student salaries.

This inconsiderate behavior by the department is the cause of low morale, depression and anxiety amongst young nurses. They feel exploited by the department that is forever engulfed in corruption.  

We call on the Head of the Gauteng Department to act against senior managers who purposely ignore circulars and agreements reached last year July. We congratulate DENOSA Student Movement for continuously fighting for their members and standing for what is right. COSATU Young Workers in the province will support all initiatives taken to win this war. We call on all progressive youth formations in Gauteng to support the community service nurses fight.

Issued by COSATU YOUNG WORKERS

COSATU Provincial Secretary: Louisah Moepeng Modikwe= 066 1822 402 / 074 226 6879

Young Workers Secretary: Tsakane Thobelo = 074 941 2714

Young Workers Chairperson: Ivan Ramogale: 073 949 0101