EWN reports that Zola Saphetha, general secretary of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), said on Sunday that government must take responsibility for any lives lost during the current strike action, not the union.

He was speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, where the union also vowed to intensify its strike action on Monday, as the impasse over salary increases looks set to continue. Health Minister Joe Phaahla made the claims of lives lost while at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital during a site visit at the height of the strike last Wednesday. However, Saphetha said the union had acted legally and that the allegations were misplaced. Some staff on duty at affected hospitals claimed to have been intimidated by striking workers affiliated with Nehawu. Emergency teams were also reported to have been unable to respond to some emergency calls as access to some facilities was blockaded. A preliminary report by the Department of Health found that the standoff resulted in deaths. "There's no conclusive finding that points to us," said Saphetha. Instead, he placed the blame squarely on the government. The union confirmed the strike would enter its second week on Monday, saying it would not stand to be bullied by the government. The union wants a 10% wage increase, while government has offered 4.7%.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nokukhanya Mntambo at EWN

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