Striking stupidity

I fear some difficult days ahead in SA. As already mentioned a public service strike is underway in the country. The action is being led by the biggest union in the country COSATU. Media reports suggest that things are likely to escalate over the coming days. The situation is not helped by the fact that President Zuma has embarked on a trip to China.

Based on information from BBC reports of the strike, the unions seem to be acting very unreasonably. The pay deal on offer is a 7% rise for workers (how the British Unions would love to be receiving such proposals). The unions are holding out for 8.6%. Yet the government is already offering a better deal than it can afford.
The strength of the union position is based on the predicament facing Zuma. He is in coalition government with some very left wing elements including a communist faction. Thus far he has defended their right to strike but not to use violence and intimidation.

Unfortunately, the strikes are becoming more violent. The following web page tells of recent unrest outside a hospital in Durban (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11057690). There are local reports of attacks taking place against teachers that have tried to defy the strike ban.

As regards to our hospital, it has been one of the least affected. Periodically there have been demonstrations outside with loud trumpeting. The nurses in the hospital have largely defied the ban. However, a number of other hospitals in the surrounding area have closed. This has resulted in many more people coming to Ingwavuma. Many of these are seriously ill and there have been fatalities as a result of having to travel the extra distance.

I should reassure you all that we have good security at the hospital and the atmosphere is very relaxed. The doctors continue to work incredibly hard to keep things going. (The dispute does not directly involve the doctors but the unions are keen that everyone, including private sector workers, show their support for their action. They seem completely unconcerned by the resulting deaths.) Last night Mary was second on call and had to help with three caesarean sections. She is also on call over the weekend.

With the current national unrest I am left at a bit of a loose end. The strikes are open ended so nobody knows how long they could last. For the moment I am being kept company by the compelling Stieg Larsson trilogy of books (tip off from Adam Elliott).

Some light relief was provided by my debut in the weekly football game played at the hospital yesterday. This involves all ages and both sexes. I quickly discovered some differences in the ‘Mosvold’ laws of the game. Most conspicuously, there is no such thing as a foul. I discovered this after being scythed to the ground as I set off on an early dribble. Having dusted myself off I stood up to find a big zulu lady smiling at me coyly. This was one of a series of terrific spoiling ‘tackles’ she carried out during the game. I have vowed to be on her team next week.