Gauteng risks losing forensic workers

POOR WORKING CONDITIONS

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

GAUTENG'S forensic pathology services face the risk of losing skilled workers and jeopardising critical post-mortem investigations unless long-standing concerns about poor working conditions and a contentious R750 monthly risk allowance are addressed.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a warning.

However, the Gauteng Department of Health said the allowance is set nationally, adequate support systems are in place and measures are being put in place to increase staffing levels across forensic facilities.

The warning follows a recent two-day strike by members of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), which exposed simmering frustrations among forensic pathology staff who work daily with decomposed bodies, violent crime victims, and biological hazards.

DA Gauteng Health spokesperson Madeleine Hicklin said the dispute should serve as a wake-up call for the provincial health department.

“Unless addressed urgently, the department risks losing skilled personnel and compromising critical forensic pathology services to Gauteng residents,” Hicklin said.

The DA is now set to formally write to Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko, calling for engagement with labour representatives over the allowance and broader workplace concerns.