By AGISANANG SCUFF
7 August 2025 – In a concerted effort to address pressing challenges in the province’s healthcare system, the North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, embarked on a robust engagement with joint labour unions and conducted oversight visits to key health facilities in Klerksdorp.
The session forms part of Lehari’s ongoing programme aimed at improving service delivery and labour relations across the province’s healthcare sector.
He further said key issues discussed with the unions included translation of nurses from Community Service to Professional Nurse posts. Lehari added that this includes the recruitment for levels 2–5 and provision of uniforms for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel.
“We also discussed permanent placement of doctors. I reaffirmed my commitment to regular, structured engagement with labour unions, pledging bi-monthly meetings to ensure ongoing dialogue and resolution of issues.
“Regular engagement with organised labour is essential for labour peace. I will ensure that no union is excluded, and that our engagements remain action-oriented,” he said.
Lehari said a meeting schedule was agreed upon, grouping unions to ensure effective communication. He also updated unions on the status of appeals handled by the Office of the Appeal Authority, stating that legal advice is being sought to expedite resolutions.
“I urge unions to utilise departmental structures for issue resolution and not to delay matters by waiting for direct interventions on all concerns. This approach would ensure quicker turnaround and better governance.
“The department committed to finalising a multilateral engagement calendar to strengthen cooperation with unions. I instructed that a clear plan be developed regarding the permanent appointment of doctors and nurses, with measurable targets and progress reports,” said Lehari.
He said the matter of nurses’ uniforms has been escalated to the DDG for Hospitals and Specialised Services, who will engage unions directly on the issue. Lehari said his department reported that it is working closely with the National Department of Health to finalise the implementation model for Community Health Workers (CHWs).
“Currently, the province employs 5050 CHWs, who are being supported with tools of trade, protective clothing, and applicable leave benefits. CHWs are also encouraged to apply for advertised entry-level positions.
“The department presented updates on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, assuring unions that it remains a priority and is being implemented progressively,” he said.
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