Healthcare Internships Initiative Branded a Political Move by Health Workers Union

The recent announcement of 1,120 healthcare internships has drawn criticism from the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (HAITU), alleging it’s a ploy by the ruling party to secure votes. IOL reports that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, provincial health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and the Gauteng Emergency Services (EMS) handed over employment contracts to interns joining healthcare service programs. While HAITU acknowledges the need for EMS workers, they question the timing and the one-year contract, denouncing it as electioneering.

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The union accuses the Gauteng Department of Health of neglecting trained nurses, leaving them jobless despite substantial taxpayer investment in their training. HAITU stresses the urgency of permanently employing healthcare workers, citing chronic staff shortages hindering patient care. General Secretary Lerato Mthunzi contends that temporary internships create false hope and demand permanent employment for interns and trained nurses to address healthcare workforce deficiencies.

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Malema Criticises Lesufi’s Nasi Ispani Job Campaign, Accuses It of Being an Election Ploy

Picture: X / GautengHealth

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