The Western Cape Health Department says several health facilities had to close their doors this morning due to the continued taxi strike disrupting traffic and preventing staff from getting to work.

Some services have been suspended and many clinics are working on a reduced capacity across the Metro region, as well as in rural areas.

This morning, many staff members were unable to get to their place of work because of roads being closed off and incidents of violence in certain areas.

Dr Saadiq Kariem, Chief of Operations at the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says safety of staff is paramount.

“We remain committed to the safety of our staff who are caught in the middle of these incidents of violence and disruption. Certain facilities within the Metropole are closed today and community-based care to our vulnerable clients in these areas has unfortunately also been suspended until it is safe for our staff to go into them.”

He says they are in regular communication with the Provincial Joint Operations Centre to monitor the safety of both our staff and patients.

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The following health services have been impacted:

Central Hospitals (Tygerberg, Red Cross and Groote Schuur Hospital)

– Elective surgery remains postponed.

– Only emergency surgery will be conducted.

– Outpatients are advised to only attend their appointments if it is safe to do so but will experience longer waiting times.

– Family members are encouraged to collect discharged patients if it is safe for them to do so.

Community Health Centres and Clinics

– Facilities in Phillipi, Nyanga, Crossroads, Nolungile, and Gugulethu have been closed.

– Community-based care in these areas has also been suspended.

– Clients who have appointments at these facilities today and Tuesday, are advised not to go to these facilities as they will be closed.

– Services at all other facilities will be available, but with limited capacity.

Emergency Medical Services and Forensic Pathology Services

– Access to red zone areas will only be possible with a law enforcement escort, resulting in possible delayed response.

Premier Alan Winde, who chaired a special provincial Cabinet meeting this morning to discuss the mini-bus taxi strike has expressed his anger.

“I am angry that as a result of the strike, residents have been unable to get home to their families or to work, school, shops, clinics and other critical sites. Many government services, including health and social development, are having to close facilities and are unable to provide desperately needed services to our communities. Our schooling system is also being affected. This is not acceptable.”

The Western Cape Government is also pursuing legal action, along with the City of Cape Town, to interdict the violence.

Winde says the ongoing violence is making it very difficult for negotiations to proceed.