By localnew 
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has accused the Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, of exploiting nurses at the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan, Pretoria, after they reportedly went two months without pay.
🔹 Unpaid Nurses
According to the DA’s Bronwynn Englebrecht, 11 qualified nurses who were part of the provincial government’s anti-substance abuse programme have not received their salaries since 28 October despite assurances that payment was imminent.
Englebrecht described the situation as “exploitation pure and simple”, saying:
“The same government that is claiming to be fighting substance abuse is abusing the very workers who keep the system alive. The DA stands firmly with these workers. We demand immediate payment, proper contracts, and accountability. Gauteng healthcare professionals deserve respect and not betrayal.”
🔹 Lack of Contracts and Payment Issues
The DA highlighted that the affected nurses have reportedly been without contracts, and human resources officials have thus far failed to resolve the payment delays.
📍 Context
This issue adds to growing concerns in South Africa about healthcare workers facing delayed payments and precarious employment terms, particularly for those on contract or temporary roles. Unions and worker groups have previously protested such conditions, citing exploitation and lack of job security across parts of the public health sector
Image source: https://www.ecr.co.za/