FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5 May 2025
RE: PAYMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE WORKERS

The Northern Cape Department of Health confirms that there were temporary service disruptions at some health facilities in the province due to payment delays affecting Community Health Workers (CHWs) for the month of April.The Department wishes to assure the public that this matter is receiving urgent attention. A constructive meeting between the MEC for Health, the Head of Department, senior departmental officials and NEHAWU leadership was held yesterday to address these concerns.
During this meeting, it was confirmed that payments for the affected CHWs have been processed, with some payments having already reflected in workers' accounts. The Department's Chief Financial Officer has confirmed that all outstanding payments will be completed by Wednesday, 7 May 2025, with many workers already receiving their stipends as of today.The delay was primarily due to technical challenges related to payment system upgrades and transitions, as well as administrative processes following the extension of worker contracts. These challenges have now been resolved.

We are pleased to report that normal health services have resumed at affected facilities. The Department and union leadership have agreed to establish regular bi-monthly engagement meetings to proactively address any future concerns and improve communication channels.The Department of Health values the essential contribution of our Community Health Workers to healthcare delivery in the Northern Cape and remains committed to resolving any outstanding matters through constructive engagement with all stakeholders.A follow-up meeting has been scheduled with union leadership to address any remaining issues and ensure sustainable solutions going forward.

For more information, please contact:
Mandisa Mereeothe
Media Liason Officer
Office of the MEC: Health
Northern Cape
081 010 0849