Minister of Correctional Services Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has appealed to labour union POPCRU to give her an opportunity to try and resolve the current dispute over the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) before they proceed with any protest action.
She was addressing correctional officials gathered in Pretoria to welcome her and her deputy, Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize as new political leaders of correctional services. The gathering was organised by the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Ms Xoliswa Sibeko.
“It may not be productive to proceed currently, so I appeal to members of POPCRU to give us a chance settle down and see what we can do to resolve issues around the OSD” she said during the meeting. “You can’t welcome us with a strike” she added on a lighter note. She urged POPCRU members to open themselves to a process of negotiations with the hope that the new leadership may be able to provide solutions to the current delays.
She further committed herself to a regular process of interacting with all staff members so that she could have an understanding of the challenges they go through everyday. These interactions, she said, will enable her and her current leadership to turn things around for the better in the department.
“I want to reassure you that I am a hard working person that focuses mainly on getting results. While some may be saying I was underperforming I will tell you I know where I found my previous department and I’m satisfied with where I’ve left it”, she added.
She also called on staff at the department to support her and the new deputy as they undertake their new tasks. “Please travel the journey with us. We are looking forward to a fruitful working relationship with you. In order for us to succeed, we require your trust, loyalty and commitment to work, so that we can deliver the necessary services to the people of South Africa.”
Reiterating President Jacob Zuma’s assurances she said, “We are not here to retrench people, so no one is going to lose his/her job. I am going to be sensitive to your needs and together with the labour unions and other relevant stakeholders we will have more dynamic engagements that enable us to take this department to a higher level.”
She also said “we will sympathise with the unions, but you must give management space to manage the department as we have only five years to deliver.” She welcomed the “warm reception” as humbling.
Enquiries
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
13 May 2009
