NORTH WEST PROVINCE — More than 2,400 North West Community Healthcare Workers are demanding permanent employment after the provincial Department of Health allegedly failed to honor a 2025 court order and long-standing promises of job security.
The workers argue that the department has neglected its commitment to absorb them into permanent roles, a move that was legally mandated by a 2025 court ruling. The court order explicitly instructed the department to grant permanent employment to these healthcare professionals in recognition of the extensive work they have performed over the years.
Broken Promises and Terminated Contracts
For many of the affected workers, the delay in permanent absorption has led to severe frustration, especially as they near retirement age. A community healthcare worker who has served in a hospice for 12 years, had hoped to secure permanent employment during his final five years before retiring. Instead of a permanent contract, the worker was handed a termination letter because he is turning 60 in the coming months, leaving him deeply disheartened.
Similarly, another worker who has been working as a community healthcare worker since 2007, expressed profound disappointment over the unkept commitments. Another affected worker, echoed these sentiments, stating that the department has left them behind. She described the ongoing situation as painful given the years of personal and professional sacrifices the workers have made for the community.
Union Calls for Patience
The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has been actively advocating for the workers. A spokesperson for the union urged members to exercise patience, noting that the battle for permanent absorption has been ongoing for over 20 years.
The union representative highlighted that it was only about a year ago that they successfully secured the court order instructing the Department of Health to permanently absorb the employees. NEHAWU maintains that it is continuously engaging with the department to ensure the ruling is fully implemented.
Department of Health Outlines 2030 Strategic Plan
In response to the growing grievances, the North West Department of Health defended its progress, stating that it has implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to ensure all community healthcare workers are fully and permanently employed by 2030.
A spokesperson for the department explained that necessary recruitment processes are currently underway, but emphasized that workers must go through specific administrative steps to reach permanent employment. The spokesperson outlined the pathways provided under the department’s six-pillar strategy, which include:
- Targeted Recruitment: Initiating recruitment processes for level two positions, which specifically prioritizes community healthcare workers who do not have a matric (Grade 12) certificate.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: Implementing policies to formally recognize the extensive practical experience the workers have gained over the years.
- Adult Learning Programs: Enrolling community healthcare workers in adult education programs to help them meet the necessary academic qualifications for permanent roles.
The department maintains that these structured pathways are essential to ensuring a sustainable and qualified permanent health workforce in the province.
