Six Decades of Uniting and Strengthening
Approximately six decades ago, a dedicated group of public servants working in provincial hospitals within the public sector recognized a pressing need for both individual and collective representation. This pivotal moment marked the inception of the Hospital Public Servants Association in the former Transvaal.
As time marched on, 1989 brought about a significant merger as it joined forces with the Association of Cape Provincial Hospitals, forming the formidable Hospital Personnel Association of South Africa. Coincidentally, this was the very year when employee organizations were granted recognition and the invaluable right to collectively bargain for their members.
Buoyed by this monumental achievement and swept up in the burgeoning wave of democracy sweeping across the nation, Hospersa embarked on a mission to gain recognition as a trade union. This vision became a reality on June 3, 1994, when Hospersa was officially registered with the Department of Labor as a trade union.
Hospersa’s influence didn’t stop there. It expanded its operations to encompass the vibrant regions of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. In 1995, yet another significant milestone was achieved when Hospersa merged with the Natal Provincial Administration Personnel Association, cementing its commitment to unity, strength, and unwavering representation.
HOSPERSA YOUR UNION OF CHOICE!
Diverse Membership, Collective Strength
At Hospersa, we take immense pride in our democratic, worker-focused ethos, which drives our mission to represent and empower workers across a wide spectrum of sectors. Our membership profile includes:
Public Health: This encompasses all institutions falling under the purview of both national and provincial Departments of Health, including hospitals and nursing colleges.
Public Welfare: Our representation extends to all institutions under the national and provincial Departments of Social Development.
General Public Service: We stand firmly by workers in all national and provincial departments, ensuring their rights and interests are upheld.
Education: Our support extends to teachers employed within the Public Service, fostering an environment conducive to quality education.
Private Health: We proudly represent workers in private hospitals and healthcare institutions, including renowned names like Netcare, Medi-Clinic, independent hospitals, the SA National Blood Transfusion Services, the National Health Laboratory Services, pharmacies, and rehabilitation centers.
Private Welfare: Our commitment extends to private and non-governmental organizations offering welfare services, ensuring their employees are empowered and protected.
Private General: Our representation encompasses a wide spectrum of organizations, including SA National Parks and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, advocating for the rights and welfare of workers in these diverse settings.
Hospersa’s strength lies in our unity across these sectors, ensuring that every worker’s voice is heard and their rights are upheld. Together, we strive for a better and brighter future.
Constitution
CONSTITUTION OF THE HEALTH AND OTHER SERVICE PERSONNEL TRADE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA
YOUR HOSPERSA VISION AND MISSION
Hospersa Vision
At Hospersa, our vision is unwavering — we are dedicated to fostering maximum unity among workers across all sectors. Our aim is to champion the cause of human dignity, ensure effective service delivery, and protect the rights of our members in both their workplace and within civil society. This vision aligns harmoniously with Hospersa’s Constitution, guiding us toward a future where every worker’s well-being is secured.
Hospersa Mission
Our mission is to provide exemplary professional service to all our members, facilitated through democratically elected structures. These structures are entrusted by our members to safeguard them against any unfair practices. We are committed to nurturing professionalism among our members, emphasizing mutual respect and dignity in their interactions with one another and the broader community.
We are dedicated to promoting a democratic labor environment and a society where unfair discrimination has no place, be it based on gender, religion, race, culture, political beliefs, or any other factor. Our goal is to foster unity and organization across all sectors that share our core beliefs, values, and aspirations. Together, we pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.
Hospersa Dedication
Hospersa is dedicated to fostering maximum unity among workers across all sectors. Our vision is to uphold human dignity, ensure effective service delivery, and protect the rights of our members in both the workplace and society, in alignment with our Constitution.
Our mission is to provide professional services to all members through democratically elected structures mandated by the members themselves, safeguarding them against any unfair practices. We are committed to promoting professionalism and mutual respect among our members and towards the community. Additionally, we advocate for a democratic labor environment that is free from unfair discrimination based on gender, religion, race, culture, political beliefs, or any other unjust distinctions. Our goal is to unite and organize workers across various sectors who share our beliefs, values, and aspirations.
EMPOWERING WORKERS, PERSUING PROGRESS!
Hospersa Objectives
Regulating Relations: To foster healthy relations between employees and employers and champion the interests of workers.
Empowering Workers: To establish robust, democratic worker organizations at workplaces through active Shop Steward Councils, enabling participation in dialogues while upholding democratic values.
Improving Conditions: To unite all workers for the enhancement of their compensation and working conditions.
Collective Action: To advocate for the right to engage in collective and secondary actions when necessary.
Resisting Challenges: To oppose privatization, casualization, and retrenchment, striving for full employment.
Ending Discrimination: To eliminate all forms of employment-related discrimination.
Skills Development: To ensure accessible and quality training, enhancing the skills of all workers.
Safety First: To promote safe and healthy working conditions for all.
Advocacy: To support or contest laws and administrative measures affecting members’ rights and interests.
Legal Aid: To provide legal assistance to members in employment-related matters and institute legal proceedings on behalf of the union and its members.
Collaboration: To affiliate with and cooperate with other trade unions, federations, and labor organizations for joint actions.
Collective Bargaining: To participate in collective bargaining forums, negotiating and entering into collective agreements with employers and employer associations.
Conflict Resolution: To encourage dispute resolution through conciliatory methods.
UNITING FOR RIGHTS, ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE!
Hospersa's objectives encompass a wide range of goals, each rooted in the betterment of workers' lives.
Financial Resources: To secure funds through subscriptions, donations, and other lawful means to support union activities.
Property Management: To acquire, lease, sell, or mortgage movable or immovable property as needed.
General Interests: To address lawful matters in the best interest of the union.
Job Security: To protect members’ job security and advance their employment prospects and interests.
Economic Welfare: To recruit and unite workers, striving to improve their economic and social welfare.
Leadership Development: To ensure proper and accessible training for worker leaders and staff.
Partnerships: To establish relationships with other labor entities and service providers for the benefit of union members.
International Engagement: To build bilateral relations with international trade unions.
Good Governance: To develop policies promoting good governance.
Human Resources: To develop human resources policies enhancing staff development and motivation in accordance with legislation.
Social Initiatives: To promote awareness of HIV/AIDS, wellness, gender equality, job creation/security, and a corruption-free society.
Transparency: To foster communication channels and transparency between worker leaders and staff.
Youth Empowerment: To bolster the labor movement by organizing and developing young workers.
Leading the Way: Meet Our Dedicated National Office Bearers
At Hospersa, we take immense pride in the leadership and dedication of our National Office Bearers. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our union and championing the rights and well-being of our members.
Basil Pillay
Thabo Raphadu
Sechaba May
Waheed Hoosen
Gregg Rafferty
Mbuso Shozi
GREGG RAFFERTY - President
Gregg Rafferty, our President – under his leadership, Hospersa has expanded its focus on membership growth, striving to enhance professional development and advocate for the needs and rights of our members. Mr. Rafferty’s innovative approach and dedication have been instrumental in advancing the organisation’s mission.
SECHABA MAY - National Treasurer
Sechana May serves as our National Treasurer, ensuring the responsible management of our financial resources. His diligence and financial expertise play a crucial role in sustaining our union’s operations and benefits.
MBUSO SHOZI - Vice-President: Gender & HIV/AIDS
Tselane Mbotshane serves as our National Treasurer, ensuring the responsible management of our financial resources. Her diligence and financial expertise play a crucial role in sustaining our union’s operations and benefits.
THABO RAPHADU - Vice-President: Recruitment & Structures
Thabo Raphadu, our Vice-President for Gender & HIV/AIDS, is a driving force behind our commitment to equality and well-being. His leadership in addressing critical issues ensures that every member is treated with respect and dignity.
BASIL PILLAY - Vice-President: Education & Training
Basil Pillay, our Vice-President for Education & Training, is passionate about nurturing the growth and development of our members. His dedication to providing valuable learning opportunities is instrumental in enhancing the skills and knowledge of our workforce.
WAHEED HOOSEN - General Secretary
Waheed Hoosen, our General Secretary, stands at the forefront of our mission to empower workers. With his unwavering commitment and extensive knowledge, he leads our union with a steady hand and a vision for a brighter future.
These individuals exemplify the values and principles that Hospersa stands for. Their leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless efforts are a testament to our union's strength and dedication to the welfare of our members. Together, we move forward, united and inspired by their example.
TRADE UNION AFFILIATIONS
