Hospital disruptions 'murder'
2010-08-20 18:02
Pretoria - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Friday called strike action by public sector workers which interrupted vital medical care "murder".
"If somebody gets into an operating theatre where somebody is being operated on and wants to disrupt somebody who is vulnerable, who is on life support - in exercising certain democratic rights (to strike) you get in there and disrupt - that's murder," Motsoaledi told media in Pretoria.
"I'm not surprised but shocked, extremely shocked at the willingness to murder because you can't have that kind of country.
"It shocks me that there is any living, normal South African who thinks like that," said Motsoaledi.
Striking workers have barricaded public hospitals around the country and refused entry to ambulances and people seeking medical care.
"We have demonstrated our humanity during the World Cup. Why now are people losing their humanity and prepared to murder?" asked Motsoaledi.
He was flanked at the high-level press briefing by State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, Public Administration Minister Richard Baloyi, and Deputy Minister for Basic Education Enver Surty and Deputy Minister of Justice Andries Nel. Also present was Anwa Dramat, the head of the special police division, the Hawks.
Rights trampled on
Baloyi also condemned the violence and admonished workers for abusing the right to strike.
"What is an element that is uncalled for in a democracy where people embark on a strike action is the violence," said Baloyi.
"This element of trampling on other people's rights is not only surprising but uncalled for."
Motsoaledi called on his personal experience as a youth activist and doctor during apartheid in criticising the strike violence.
"Even during the 1976 uprising, we used to respect essential services," he said.
Nurses and doctors were respected "even by the most angry youth".
Motsoaledi said that when he was a doctor during apartheid he would treat patients no matter their political affiliation.
"I was taught to save lives... I remember I would never put somebody's life in danger. No matter how angry I was."
Security services deployed
The ministers had gathered to discuss the launching of a co-ordinated security plan between their departments in response to the strike, which was in its third day.
"Ministers agreed on a range of measures to be taken to ensure the safety of citizens and employees who are not part of the industrial action, as well as the growing number of volunteers who are stepping forward to deliver services," said Cwele.
"Based on the way in which strikers have targeted various service delivery sites, security agencies are being deployed countrywide as of today.
"Steps will be taken against strikers or sympathisers who intimidate staff or members of the public, commit acts of hooliganism, destruction of property or violence," he said.
Police and security services would be deployed to hospitals and schools and special protection would be given to staff at hospitals, schools and "other key government institutions".
The government would also seek an interdict against unions to prevent striking workers from entering some "government departments and infrastructure".
Special courts were being set up to try persons arrested during the strike.
Unaffordable
"The criminal justice system is being put on high alert and special courts to deal with acts of hooliganism will be set up to ensure swift justice, notwithstanding the participation of some court employees in the strike," said Cwele.
Government has tabled what Baloyi said is its final offer of a 7% wage increase and R700 housing allowance. Unions have 21 days to accept the offer before it is implemented without their consent.
Workers led by the Congress of SA Trade Unions have rejected the offer and are demanding an increase of 8.6%.
Baloyi said this would cost the state over R5bn and was unaffordable unless other public services were cut.
"The country doesn't consist of wages only... we won't be able to buy medicine, we won't be able to hire more doctors, we won't be able to hire more nurses, there will be no food in hospital, no bandages, there will be no chalk in schools, there will be no books. This is the reality," Motsoaledi pleaded.
- SAPA