Thousands of community health workers (CHWs) in the North West province are demanding permanent employment from the Department of Health, months after the Labour Court in Johannesburg ruled that they should be recognized as permanent government employees.
Despite the court’s decision earlier this year, the workers—who have been on fixed-term contracts since the program’s inception—say the department has failed to act, leaving them without job security, benefits, or pension protections.
Workers Left in Limbo
Over 5,000 CHWs in the province provide essential basic healthcare services, yet many say they are treated as disposable labor.
“Majority of CHWs are dying. We are infected. Many of us got injured on duty, but the department does not recognize that,” said one worker. “When you’re on pension, you get nothing. Even when you die, your children will not get anything. We want permanent jobs with benefits.”
Another worker expressed frustration over hiring practices: “When we are supposed to be employed, it’s a problem. They only employ people from outside.”
Department’s Response
The Department of Health has encouraged CHWs to apply for advertised entry-level positions but maintains there is no policy to absorb all workers permanently.
“Currently, we do not have any directive or policy in relation to employing or absorbing all of them,” a department representative said. “We are ensuring that training is provided to equip them to carry out their duties effectively.”
Meanwhile, trade unions in the province claim budget constraints are delaying implementation. Following a meeting with Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla in June, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) stated that the minister acknowledged the court ruling but cited national budget processes as the reason for delays.
Calls for Immediate Action
Workers argue that further delays are unacceptable, given their critical role in healthcare delivery.
“The government has used us. It must stop using us,” said one CHW. “What does labor law say? Why are we not being employed? We are saving many lives.”
The Department of Health in the North West says it is still awaiting directives from the National Health Council, leaving workers in continued uncertainty.
As the stalemate persists, CHWs vow to keep fighting for their rights, insisting that the court’s ruling must be honored without further delay.
