Today, members of National, Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport are on strike. Before the strike action, NEHAWU had sent a list of grievances to the Office of the MEC. We can confirm that such a memorandum detailing the list of grievances was indeed received.
The MEC has taken the following steps:
* He has met with all parties to the dispute individually.
* He listened to all parties’ representations with regard to the existing dispute.
* The MEC has sought legal advice on the matters raised.
To this end, the MEC has decided:
* To institute an independent investigation process into the NEHAWU grievances.
* That the head of department remains in his post; he is not the subject of investigation, but the issues affecting the department he runs are the subject of a probe.
*. To issue a plea to NEHAWU leadership and general membership for them to support the MEC's process of finding an amicable solution as outlined above.
* The departmental management fully supports this process and is looking forward to the return of normality in the department so that they may continue unhindered with the work entrusted upon the department.
* That the facilitation process is aimed at assisting the MEC to find an amicable and objective solution to the current alleged or perceived problems.
* That the MEC has faith in the head of department and NEHAWU leadership. He believes that with assistance, they will find each other during the process of facilitation.
* That due to the nature of the facilitation process (concerning labour relations matters); it will not be held in public.
* That the MEC, after applying his mind to the report of the facilitation team and recommendations therein, will announce the way forward.
MEC Willies Mchunu's comments on graft and mismanagement:
"As a matter of principle, I am committed to good governance and ensuring that taxpayers get value for money from all its civil servants. All allegations of bad administration and mismanagement will be investigated without fear or favour. The ANC led KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is ready to deal with all errant civil servants who are lazy, inefficient, or involved in embezzling taxpayers’ money in any way. We request those whose consciences languish in perpetual guilt for the way they have mismanaged or embezzled public funds to quit as soon as possible.
"In rooting out rotten elements within the public service, due process will be followed, and the results of any facilitation or investigation process and steps to be taken thereafter will be made public. If appropriate and necessary, we will assist law enforcement agencies in effecting arrests of any corrupt officials. We will do so with a broad smile. We will be blind to political loyalty or emblem."
In conclusion, Mchunu cautioned the media not to continue to publish untested allegations. He said, "The continued publications of untested allegations have a potential to cast negative aspersions on the good name of the department”. He said: “I am confident that the strike action will end soon so that not another hour goes by without optimal service delivery to our people."
Contact:
Bhekisisa Mncube
Cell: 084 928 4412
Issued by: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
27 August 2009
Source: Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/)
