Community health workers, supported by the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers, will stage protests across Cape Town this month to demand permanent jobs. They are currently employed by non-profit organisations contracted by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. The workers are demanding to be permanently employed by the department of health, citing difficulties in meeting their monthly expenses with their current stipend.
The community health workers, who have been employed by non-profit organisations for years, say they face challenges such as gang violence and lack of resources while providing services to communities. They also do not receive benefits such as medical aid and pension. Jabu Khanyile, NUPSAW provincial organiser, said they have been talking to the government several times and will continue to picket until someone listens to their demands.
Salaama Abrahams, a community health worker for eight years, said she visits approximately ten households per week and attends to patients referred to them by healthcare facilities. She said having a proper and sustainable wage would make a significant difference to her household, providing greater financial stability and allowing her to contribute more meaningfully towards her family's future.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says it recognises and values the important contribution made by community health workers but has made no decision to permanently absorb them. Dwayne Evans, spokesperson for the department, said the province operates with a different, long-standing service delivery model in which community health services are contracted through organisations.
In January 2025, the Johannesburg Labour Court ruled that community health workers must be deemed permanent government employees, but the Western Cape is the only province not included in the ruling. NUPSAW has argued that the Western Cape department still has a responsibility to community workers in the province. The union and community health workers held a picket at the police station in Bishop Lavis last week.
The Caring Network, one of the non-profit organisations employing community health workers, said it provides Integrated Health and Wellness Services in the Bishop Lavis community through funding from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness. The organisation respects the constitutional rights of employees to participate in lawful and peaceful labour activities.
Community health workers and union members say they will continue to demand permanent employment and better working conditions. The protests are expected to take place across Cape Town this month. The community health workers are seeking recognition and fair valuation of their work in the communities they serve.
Key points
- Community health workers in Cape Town are demanding permanent jobs and better working conditions.
- The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has no plans to permanently absorb community health workers.
- The protests are expected to take place across Cape Town this month.
