Avellon Williams
SOUTH AFRICA- A public health crisis has intensified in South Africa as medics join other public servants in a strike to demand better wages.
The public workers have been protesting since Monday last week in demand of a 10% wage increase. A 4.7% rate has been proposed by the government.
As long as their demands aren’t met, their union vows to intensify the strike.
According to a local TV report quoting a health official in Gauteng province, troops have been deployed to ThelleMogoerane, Sebokeng, and Bheki Mlangeni, three of the hardest-hit areas.
Several facilities were still blocked, preventing emergency teams from responding to emergency calls.
In a statement, Health Minister Joe Phaahla said that the strike had resulted in the deaths of a number of people.