TimesLive reports that extensive negotiations between the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) were held on Wednesday in Pretoria, prompting hopes the union's national strike might soon end.  

Nehawu members in the DSD are demanding better working conditions and also salary increases.  The strike, which began on 13 March, has had far-reaching effects.  Nehawu spokesman Khaya Xaba said that Wednesday’s negotiations ended with an offer from the employer on the table.  The union will discuss the offer with its members and decide whether to continue the strike or not.  "We are reconvening at 2pm [on Thursday].  We will decide whether to accept the offer," Xaba indicated.  Meanwhile, Gauteng Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza has called for calm following the death of a six-month-old child who was transferred from a government facility in the wake of strike action.

• Read this report by Taschica Pillay, Roxanne Henderson and Ernest Mabuza in full at TimesLive
• See too, Nehawu holds talks to end social development strike, at eNCA
• And also, Social workers’ strike stalls Eskom theft case, at TimesLive

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