After the sudden death of 29-year-old Gcina Dhladhla at work, her family questions the response of Cartrack and the treatment of sick employees.
When Nomusa Dhladhla received a call that her niece was lying lifeless in a toilet cubicle at work, she dropped everything she was doing and immediately called a private ambulance.
Gcina Dhladhla had collapsed after allegedly telling her manager she was feeling ill, IOL reported.
Despite the emergency response, she could not be resuscitated and was declared dead at the Cartrack offices, in Rosebank, on Saturday.
The family said they were now desperately trying to understand what had happened in the hours leading up to her death and believed it may have been prevented.
“Nothing was done to rush her to hospital and save her life,” Nomusa said.
“Absolutely nothing.
“They told me they were waiting for an ambulance, but they did not have a reference number.
“They said her pulse was low, but nothing was done to rush her to hospital and save her life.”
Cartrack said that, although it was deeply saddened by her death, sick leave had never been denied to her.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this loss,” the company said in a statement.
“In light of inaccurate claims that have circulated regarding this incident, we believe it is important to clarify that sick leave has never been denied to our colleague or to anyone else.
“Our colleague had taken sick leave on Monday last week and, upon her return, provided a sick note issued by a dentist, which was accepted by us.”
According to Lauren Human, director of corporate affairs at Cartrack, Dhladhla received immediate assistance from first responders when the seriousness of her condition became apparent.
“Our on-site first responders were equipped with an automated external defibrillator, and emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene,” Human said.
An upset Nomusa said that when she called the company’s manager, she was told to contact a private clinic in Rosebank to find out how much it would cost, instead of focusing on getting medical help immediately.
“They were more worried about what it was going to cost than saving her life,” she said.
“Can you believe this? We want to save her life, but they are worried about the cost implications.”
Nomusa said her niece had submitted two sick notes over the past fortnight.
She said the sick notes cited “ill health and extreme fatigue”.
“She was allegedly instructed to continue reporting for duty, and Dhladhla had been given warnings after submitting the sick notes,” Nomusa said.
“We don’t understand.”
A colleague, Nomusa said, told her that Gcina had appeared unwell in the days before her death and was visibly distressed at work.
“She told this colleague she was on her knees crying on Friday, saying, ‘I’m sick, guys, and I’m still scheduled to work on Saturday even though I told them I’m not well,’” she said.
Nomusa said another colleague reported seeing her in tears in the office shortly before her death.
“She removed her glasses and was crying,” the colleague reportedly said.
Cartrack said Gcina arrived at work on Saturday morning with no indication that she was unwell.
“She arrived at approximately 8am and, at around 9am, informed her manager that she was feeling dizzy and nauseous. Her manager assisted her and accompanied her to the bathroom.”
After she entered a cubicle and locked the door, the manager returned a few minutes later to check on her.
“When there was no response, facilities staff were immediately notified to get the door opened and, at the same time, trained first responders were activated to assist,” the company said.
Meanwhile, the family said they were expected to meet with the company.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
Cosatu said it was shocked.
“She had reportedly informed management that she was experiencing serious health challenges and had been absent from work due to illness,” the union’s Zanele Sabela said.
“Disturbing allegations further suggest that rather than receiving the necessary support and accommodation, she was subjected to disciplinary action and warned about her attendance record.
“It is alleged that last week, fearing possible disciplinary consequences and the loss of her employment, she reported for duty despite her deteriorating health condition.”
Sabela added: “While the full facts remain the subject of investigation, these allegations raise serious concerns regarding workplace health and safety, the treatment of sick employees, and the duty of care owed by employers to workers.”
