The employees of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (DCogta) have returned to work this week.
As a result of the strike action the management of DCogta in the province obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict restraining employees who are members of the National, Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) from engaging in the current unprotected strike. The interdicted employees have been on an illegal and unprotected strike since 29 January 2015.
Addressing staff members in Bhisho today, DCogta MEC Fikile Xasa assured all officials of the department who made submissions to the investigation Committee led by Advocate Vusumzi Msiwa of “protection from any form harassment.”
MEC Xasa has been involved in a series of meetings with the leadership of Nehawu Branch to resolve the impasse. The purpose of the staff meeting was to “put everyone at ease” in the light of the prevailing challenges and deliver services to the communities.
Xasa appointed a four member investigating committee last year to investigate allegations of irregularities including sexual favours in exchange of jobs, employment of friends and families. These allegations were submitted by the local branch of Nehawu. The Chairman of the Transkei Bar of Advocates, Vusumzi Msiwa, was the leader of the team. The committee has made findings and recommendations to MEC Xasa for implementation.
“I have a responsibility to implement the recommendations of the committee so that our department moves forward. We must bring an atmosphere of normality and stability in the corridors of our department to serve our clients without fail. Our management team must work hard to minimise tensions as soon as possible and manage the situation within the confines of the rule of law,” said Xasa.
MEC Xasa is currently discussing the contents of the report with the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Phumulo Masualle.
He added that his Head of Department (HoD) Mr Stanley Khanyile was back in office after an advice was given by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in this matter.
“We are a Constitutional democracy hence we operate in line with the laws of the country which must be respected by all. The PSC is an independent institution in the interest of the maintenance of effective and efficient public administration and high professional ethics,” said Xasa.
Meanwhile, MEC Xasa said he was concerned about the slow response rate on matters of concurrence with municipal appointments. The appointment of traditional leaders was also a cause for concern.
“We need to revamp our systems to respond promptly on such matters.”
He added that the departmental Anti-Corruption and Fraud Unit must increase its striking capacity to fight fraud and corruption.
“My mandate is to combat acts of fraud and corruption and I am not intimidated at all. I encourage departmental officials to become our eyes and ears to fight the scourge,” said Xasa.
Enquiries:
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