Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has welcomed progress made by the Department in implementing the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) for correctional officials in terms of the agreement reached on 24 June 2009.
She also welcomed the joint commitment of Correctional Services, National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration to ensure that the remaining payments are done to complete phase one of the two-year OSD implementation plan by the 30 August 2009.
During a fortnightly meeting of the Minister and executive managers based at the head office, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula was informed that Correctional Services paid R284 million for a one-off payment of R7 500.00 to each of the 38 000 deserving correctional officials in July 2009. The one-off payment in terms of the agreement of the General Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council (GPSSBC) is a flat rate given to officials to cover the delayed implementation of OSD that was due for 1 July 2008.
The Minister also appreciated the levels of engagement and work done to ensure that the Department delivers on these undertakings. She however called for heightened communication of the agreement and steps taken to ensure that all officials appreciate the efforts and the challenges of implementing the programme. The Department is of the view that there is no basis for disgruntlement on the part of officials but all should begin to appreciate the political and administrative will demonstrated and the progress made thus far.
The Minister had pledged during her budget vote speech to kick off the implementation of the OSD alongside the seven-day establishment by July 2009 and to ensure that phase one of the OSD is completed within two months.
Thus far over 1 500 officials have opted to be shifted from their office bases at national and regional levels to correctional centres following the implementation of the OSD that differentiates between centre-based and non-centre based correctional officials.
In terms of the agreement centre based correctional officials will receive higher salary adjustments compared to the office-based correctional officials which will draw more resources to the coal face of services delivery and enhance rehabilitation of offenders.
The Minister will in due course be convening a joint meeting of Ministers responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the OSD to get an integrated report of the departments.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 0836260304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
17 August 2009
