Abongile Guntu and Ayanda Radebe
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, spearheaded an Imbizo (community meeting) at the Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre this week, aimed at engaging with unemployed frontline healthcare professionals.
In attendance were a cohort of healthcare professionals comprising doctors, nurses, social workers, and environmental health practitioners, many of whom had been at the forefront of battling the COVID-19 pandemic during various socioeconomic lockdowns in Johannesburg.
Dr Gadirobe Mothibi, the Executive Director for Health and Social Development, underscored the significance of the Imbizo, emphasising its role in honouring and acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices made by health professionals and social workers.
“We seek to establish avenues of support and explore pathways for the reintegration of these indispensable workers into the City’s workforce,” said Dr Mothibi.
Initiated by MMC Makhafola, the Imbizo aimed to tackle pertinent issues within the health and social development sector, particularly focusing on unemployment and the working conditions of healthcare professionals.
Cllr Makhafola, a healthcare professional herself, is committed to seeing healthcare prioritised and improved in the City. Since coming into office, she has made great strides in improving the work environment of nurses and ensuring that nurses are fairly compensated by benchmarking City salaries to other metros.
“We are committed to advocating for policies that prioritise the value of healthcare workers and create equitable opportunities for all,” said MMC Makhafola, elucidating the purpose behind the gathering.
“Our solidarity is unwavering as we confront these challenges and endeavour to forge a future where every healthcare professional is esteemed, respected, and afforded opportunities for advancement,” she added.
During the Imbizo, unemployed health and social development professionals were encouraged to register their details on a database to ensure their visibility for future vacancies.
The event further emphasised the importance of active participation by healthcare professionals in municipal initiatives and called for sustained constructive dialogue.
The Acting Director of Public Health, Zanozuko Mbane, acknowledged that while the existing vacancies within the City may not entirely mitigate the issue of unemployment, they nonetheless represent a step toward alleviating the prevailing challenges.
In its efforts to address issues affecting healthcare professionals in Johannesburg, the Imbizo also provided a vital platform for collaboration, advocating for change, and championing the welfare of healthcare professionals and social workers alike.
SOURCED FROM THE CITY OF JOBURG WEBSITE.
