📢 PETITION TO EMPLOY ALL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (CHWs) PERMANENTLY

To:
Minister of Health
Provincial Health MECs
Department of Public Service and Administration
President of the Republic of South Africa

We, the undersigned Community Health Workers (CHWs), community members, civil society organisations, and supporters, hereby submit this petition to call for the immediate and full permanent employment of all CHWs in South Africa, including those in the Western Cape.

⚖️ Background:

Community Health Workers play an essential role in strengthening primary healthcare by:

Providing health education and home-based care,

Assisting with chronic medication delivery and adherence,

Supporting maternal and child health,

Bridging gaps between the clinic and the community.

Despite years of committed service, many CHWs remain on stipends, facing job insecurity, poor working conditions, and lack of recognition.

📜 Our Demands:

1. Full permanent employment for all CHWs in all nine provinces, including those in the Western Cape who are working in NGOs that continue to be left out of national absorption processes.

2. Implementation of court judgments supporting CHWs' rights to fair labour practices.

3. Equal pay for equal work, with CHWs receiving salaries and benefits in line with public sector workers (including UIF, pension, medical aid, and leave benefits).

4. An end to exploitative contracting practices and recognition of CHWs as essential frontline workers.

5. Clear career pathways and training for CHWs to grow within the public healthcare system.

🧾 Legal and Constitutional Basis:

Section 23 of the Constitution guarantees fair labour practices.

Section 27 affirms the right of everyone to access healthcare services.

The National Health Act recognises the importance of PHC and community-based services.

Numerous labour court and arbitration rulings have supported the permanent employment of CHWs.

📢 We Say:

> "No province must be left behind! No CHW must be excluded! Dignity, respect, and justice for all!"

We call on the national and provincial governments to act without delay to honour the contribution of CHWs and fulfil their constitutional obligations.

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