GroundUp reports that nurses at Mabandla Clinic in Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay, returned to work on Wednesday morning after they had refused to work at the facility due to security concerns when the perimeter fence was stolen.

The clinic, which serves about 500 patients daily, had been closed since 11 January. Last week, nurses said they feared for their safety because in the past their colleagues had been robbed, and a clinic without a fence would be targeted by criminals. The nurses’ return to work followed a meeting with about 100 community members on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the clinic’s closure. During the meeting, ten residents volunteered to guard the clinic on a rotational basis. The police also promised to be visible in the area. The volunteer guards were visible at the clinic on Wednesday morning. KwaNobuhle CPF chairperson Siphiwo Vusani agreed to donate 15 reflector vests and 15 torches for the volunteer guards. Eastern Cape Health Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the matter was a top priority: “Emergency procurement processes have already ensued to ensure urgent installation of proper boundary fencing.”

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thamsanqa Mbovane at GroundUp

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