The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) congratulates its affiliate, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) for hosting a fruitful 9th National Congress. The union accomplished its goal of interrogating the theme of the four-day event, “Promoting Organisational Growth Through Innovative Practices Towards Resilient Quality Healthcare and Effective Member Servicing,” concluding with a progressive declaration in the interest of nurses, the healthcare system and the country as a whole.
The gathering of close to 500 delegates representing a variety of stakeholders and nurses across all nine provinces produced meaningful deliberations that addressed hard truths, that sought solutions accompanied by solid plans.
Despite the challenges faced by nurses such as understaffing, overcrowded hospitals, budget deficits and inadequate infrastructure, the resilience of the nurses under these circumstances was repeatedly applauded. COSATU appreciates the concession of government through President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, for the urgent need to attend to the shortfalls in the healthcare sector while acknowledging the tenacity of these workers and their importance as the country prepares for the implementation of the National Healthcare Insurance (NHI) to attain universal health coverage. This is crucial for DENOSA and its members as one of the champions in the successful rollout of this imperative.
The commitment to tangible support must be translated into one of the key resolutions to strengthen training programmes and the absorption of community service nurses to alleviate the pressure on the current personnel. The 2020 report by the Department of Health paints a worrisome picture of the regression in training while numbers of nurses migrate in pursuit of greener pastures. Fair and decent salaries and conducive workplaces are paramount in the retention of staff.
The Federation applauds the delegates for their bold rebuke of crime in healthcare facilities, calling for 24-hour security measures and stronger protection against violence and thuggery targeted at nurses while on duty. Nurses are already working under strenuous conditions, doing so while looking over one’s shoulder must not be normalised.
COSATU congratulates the newly elected leaders as well as the Gender structure leadership. We are confident in your ability to lead DENOSA to even greater heights.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za