Nehawu vindicated by an exposé on government mortuaries

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) in KwaZulu-Natal is vindicated by an eNCA CheckPoint episode exposing the poor state of government mortuaries in the region.

“The union is not shocked by the exposé on the state of forensic pathology services because it confirms what we have been saying for the past few years. On several occasions, we have expressed our disgust and disappointment with the state and the working conditions our members are subjected to at various government mortuaries,” stated Nehawu.

The union said there are still unidentified bodies from the 2021 July unrest and the 2022 Durban floods lying at the mortuaries and criticises the Department of Health's lack of action and the head of department's dismissive attitude.

Nehawu also alleged that their shop stewards have become victims for exposing these conditions by being charged and dismissed by the department.

The union said the episode confirmed what they have been saying about the state of government mortuaries in the province:

• Mortuary fridges are not working most of the time.
• No chemicals to clean and disinfect, the mortuary smell is unbearable.
• Flies and maggots on bodies due to high temperature on the fridges.
• Vehicles that are not roadworthy and some are overdue for service.
• Shortage of staff and vehicles.
• Low salaries even though they are doing jobs for four people.
• Outstanding payment of overtime.
• Inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs).
• Staff members are not offered counselling even though the department alleges that there's a budget set aside for such services for the staff.
• Impact of closing Gale Street Mortuary.

Nehawu plans to submit a memorandum of demands to the MEC for health on September 20, calling for urgent intervention and suggesting the replacement of the head of department if the issues are not addressed.

The Mercury