KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has reiterated the role of trade unions in advocating for workers’ rights and the need for structured processes in handling grievances.

This comes after the MK Labour Desk went to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban last week, demanding answers on a range of issues. 

Simelane said unions deal with issues and grievances. 

“The issue of workers and the suffering and unhappiness of workers is governed by the South African law, which is governed by the Labour Relations Act, and the Labour Relations Act deals with unions and representatives,” Simelane said. 

She said those who went to IALCH, were a political party.  

“Some of them are represented in parliament, and represented in the legislature. That’s where they need to raise their concerns. No political party should block the gate and block people,” Simelane said. 

She said that to mediate the situation, the head of the department was expected to meet employees and unions at IALCH on Friday. 

Simelane also provided clarity on the legal obligations surrounding oversight functions, which suggested a structured approach to hospital visits by members of parliament.

“You follow the law, you write to the legislature, you write to parliament, you write to the minister and ask, ‘I would like to go to that hospital because I am a member of parliament’,” Simelane explained. 

“It’s up to me to do that work, not just show up at the hospital with a bunch of people and say I’ll see how it’s done. The law does not allow that.” 

During the protest, Mlungisi Zondi of the National MK Labour Desk raised concerns about the treatment of IALCH employees.

MK Party Member of Parliament and Employment and Labour Portfolio Committee member Nkosentsha Shezi expressed frustration over the lack of transparency at the hospital. 

Last Sunday, the Health Department described the party’s claims as a smear campaign.

The department denied that state funds were misused for a Christmas party, stating external sponsors funded it, and the MEC was absent. 

It said it was an attempt to politicise the health sector and discredit the MEC and the department. 

Despite financial challenges, IALCH’s acting CEO maintains quality healthcare and the department said it will pursue legal action to protect itself and its officials.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za

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