The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has noted misleading statements regarding its internal memo on commuted overtime and would like to provide further clarity on the matter and clear any misinterpretation of the said circular.
The GDoH has taken a decision to withdraw the delegation to approve commuted overtime by CEOs of hospitals for the upcoming 2024/25 financial year. This means that the GDoH Head of Department will have to approve all applications for commuted overtime.
This decision is necessitated by challenges over the years related to the management and monitoring of the performance of overtime and consequence management which has resulted in an over expenditure in the commuted overtime budget.
It is in the interest of improving efficiencies and maximising our limited resources that the Department has to strengthen existing processes and put in place mechanisms that will enhance accountability and prevent the misuse of the system leading to irregularities in the utilisation of commuted overtime.
The process of reviewing the current policy and applicable procedures is underway. This will entail engagement with affected employees so as to ensure that patient care is not compromised while we put in place a uniform and consistent approach in the managing of commuted overtime.
Motalatale Modiba
Head of Communication
Cell: 064 803 0808
E-mail: healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
Tshepo Shawa
Spokesperson for the MEC for Health
Cell: 072 222 6333
E-mail: Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za
