People speak out against system
AS THE trial of Community Health Workers (CHWs) was unfolding in Bloemfontein, so too was the TAC’s parallel People’s Commission of Inquiry into the Free State health-care system.
Independent commissioners were: Paul Verryn, formerly of the Joburg Central Methodist Church; professional nurse, Democratic Nursing Organisation trade unionist and businesswoman Thembeka Gwagwa; and Thokozile Madonko of the Alternative Information and Development Centre.
Against the backdrop of a struggling public health system, and disturbing narratives of ill- or no treatment at state institutions by Free State community members, the inquiry set out to investigate the real situation in the province.
It heard from users of the system as well as health-care providers, with Lotti Rutter of the TAC explaining that the process began in May, when the NGO went to 15 different communities in three districts for community dialogues.
“We found groups who wanted to testify, and this week, we’ve had about 250-plus people here every day including community partners, unions and other stakeholders, plus several political parties who we invited, as well as the Free State Department of Health.
Disruptions marked the first day of hearings, with the TAC uncertain as to whether these were organised or ad hoc.
At one point, the auditorium where the inquiry was being held had to be emptied to protect the participants.
There were also allegations that primary school children had been bussed in, allegedly under the auspices of Cosas, to register a protest.
“But we’ve tried to make it very open and organised,” Rutter says. “We did the initial groundwork. We wanted it to be about people’s own stories. We wanted it to be independent.”
The panel has a month to write up a report with key recommendations. Then there’ll be an opportunity for the Free State Health Department and other stakeholders to respond. It’ll be sent back to the panel after that, and they will, in turn, respond.
A final report will be sent to the TAC and published.
TAC general secretary Anele Yawa said: “One needs to understand that poor, black and semi-elderly people most of the time are victims of the system and those who operate it. If you look at them, more especially those appearing at the inquiry, they show that they have a willingness to talk openly, so their voices are very important.
“It’s a pity that political leaders have been disputing the facts we’re putting on the table. There have been lots of accusations, but we are a civil society organisation, and we will not allow ourselves to be drawn into politicking.
“At the end of the day, we want the majority of our people to be able to benefit.” – Janet Smith