KAREEDOUW – Staff at BJ Vorster Hospital in Kareedouw in the Eastern Cape staged a peaceful demonstration on 23 July after months of engagement with the district and provincial health authorities had allegedly failed to resolve what employees describe as longstanding workplace concerns.

According to a briefing report submitted by anonymous staff representatives, employees have raised concerns over deteriorating working conditions, ongoing staff shortages, limited resources, poor communication, and what they describe as a lack of stable leadership at the hospital.

The demonstration follows a collective petition submitted by staff on 16 February, outlining concerns affecting employees across the institution.

Staff said the petition was intended to encourage constructive engagement and practical solutions through the appropriate channels.

Although several meetings and discussions have since taken place, employees believe many of the issues raised remain unresolved.

One employee said the demonstration was not intended to disrupt healthcare services but to highlight the challenges staff face daily.

“We have followed the proper channels for months, but we feel our concerns have not been adequately addressed. This demonstration is about asking for meaningful intervention so that we can continue providing the best possible care to our community,” the employee said.

Among the concerns raised are persistent staff shortages across multiple departments, delays in filling critical vacant posts, limited resources and equipment, poor communication between management and employees, delays in resolving matters raised through formal engagement processes, and the absence of stable leadership following management changes.

Another staff member said these challenges have placed increasing pressure on employees.

“Many departments are operating under significant strain. Staff are carrying heavier workloads while waiting for critical vacancies to be filled. It has affected morale, and we believe urgent action is needed,” the employee said.

According to the staff representatives, the matter was escalated to the Provincial Department of Health after discussions with district management.

However, despite further correspondence, meetings and follow-up requests, staff believe there has been insufficient progress in addressing the issues contained in their petition.

Employees said the lack of progress had led to growing frustration and declining confidence that the concerns would be resolved through normal engagement processes alone.

Through the demonstration, staff are calling for urgent engagement by the Provincial Department of Health, a clear implementation plan to address the petition, timeframes for filling critical vacancies, improved communication and transparency, and stable leadership with greater accountability within the institution.

Staff representatives said they remain committed to serving the community and believe improving working conditions is essential to strengthening public healthcare services.

According to Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Camagwini Mavovana, the department has been actively engaging with the Sarah Baartman District and the management of BJ Vorster Hospital to address operational challenges identified at the facility.

She said a dedicated rapid response team had already been established and was meeting on an ongoing basis to implement targeted interventions, with support from Human Resources, Finance, Infrastructure, Corporate Services, and Programme Management.

“Against this backdrop, the department is concerned that these matters have been raised publicly while structured engagements and corrective measures are already underway,” said Mavovana.

She said funded non-clinical vacant posts had recently been advertised across the province, including in the Sarah Baartman District, with applications closing on 31 July.

Mavovana said these appointments form part of broader efforts to strengthen service delivery and address staffing pressures.

“The department remains committed to working closely with management, employees and organised labour to implement practical, sustainable solutions and will continue engaging with all stakeholders as these interventions progress,” said Mavovana.

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