The public debate on outsourcing of labour by the government continued in Mangaung today during the Taking Parliament to the People Programme, with citizens complaining about exploitation and salaries below a living wage, calling for an end to the practice.
After all the formalities and speeches to mark the opening of the five-day National Council of Provinces (NCOP) programme, the floor was opened to the public to make inputs and raise questions and concerns about the quality of healthcare services in the Free State.
While other citizens complained about the long queues in clinic, the attitude of nurses, missing files and other matters, Ms Mojaheng Ramakwa grabbed the opportunity to canvass against outsourcing in hospitals and clinics, saying the practice goes against empowerment and undermined living wage policies.
“After 12 years of as a general worker at Pelonomi Hospital, I earn only R3 400 because of this outsourcing practice. Mr Magashule, when are you introducing insourcing so that we can earn a living wage? We have been joining unions with the hope of getting help, but nothing has come out of that,” she said, directing her comment to Free State Premier Mr Ace Magashule.
Free State Health MEC Mr Butana Khomphela assured the public that outsourcing will soon be a thing of the past in the province’s hospitals and clinics. “A process is underway to phase out the practice of outsourcing in the department. Cleaners, security and kitchen staff in our hospitals must be in the employ of the department and get all the available employees benefits like medical aid and pension,” said the MEC.
Although the topic for the day was health, other members of the public were able to raise other matters.
Responding to public claims that there were unemployed qualified nurses in the province, Premier Ace Magashule asked them to come forward. “If you are saying there are unemployed qualified nurses in the province, give me the names. We can hire them tomorrow, but we only want recognised qualifications, not the three-month certificates from fly-by-night institutions,” he said.
Citizen Mr Vuyani Gaga asked the members of the provincial executive to start debating illicit flows and tax avoidance, saying these funds could be used to empower youth in the country.
Sakhile Mokoena
22 August
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