A STRIKE is brewing at the Nkhensani Hospital in Giyani, Limpopo, after nurses yesterday went on a wildcat work stoppage but later abandoned the action because they had not followed proper procedures.

A STRIKE is brewing at the Nkhensani Hospital in Giyani, Limpopo, after nurses yesterday went on a wildcat work stoppage but later abandoned the action because they had not followed proper procedures.

The nurses said the maternity ward was understaffed and they were overworked.

"We have lodged a complaint with the management about the shortage of staff. Only two people are allocated to the ward while there are many pregnant patients who come to give birth," said a nurse who wanted to remain anonymous.

Joseph Nukeri, a workers' representative, said they were also unhappy with the corruption taking place at the institution.

He claimed that hospital chief executive Ernest Mboweni had employed his wife without advertising the post.

"We raised the matter with the Minister of Public Service and Administration Richard Baloyi," Nukeri said.

"Butwe have not received a response on the matter."

He also claimed that management had rejected the elected workers' representatives because "they want people who are aligned with them so that they can continue with their corrupt practices".

"We are going to picket on Monday after following all legal procedures," Nukeri said.

Provincial health and social development department spokesperson Roleta Lebelo was not available for comment.