As the country counts down in anticipation to the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Ministry for Public Service and Administration hereby expresses the need for an effective implementation of the management of leave during the tournament.
We do appreciate that the tournament is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all South Africans. As part of the capacity planning for the public service during the world cup, the Ministry for Public Service and Administration is urging all government departments to adhere to the developed guidelines of leave management within the public service.
Approval of leave of absence as regulated in terms of the determination on leave of absence in the public service remains the responsibility of heads of department who will take into account the operational requirements of the departments during the world cup when considering granting leave.
In response to requests made for public servants to be granted three hours ex gratia leave before all Bafana-Bafana games, we reaffirm that heads of department within the parameters defined in the public service regulations, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the determination on working time, applicable Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) and sectoral bargaining councils' collective agreements have the authority to and will determine employees' working hours as well as the opening and closing times of offices, taking into account the needs of the public and other responsibilities of the employees.
As part of the management of time during the 2010 World Cup, departments will:
* Plan and implement shift rosters in attempt to accommodate as far as possible employees preferences in terms of days off or annual leave.
*Pay specific attention to management of working time, reminding employees of their responsibility to make timely arrangements for time off in order to watch soccer games
* Make specific arrangements allowing employees to take time off and such time off be managed with due consideration to the department's service delivery requirements, affording all employees a fair and equal opportunity for time off and keeping proper records of time off so that these periods of time are captured as annual leave.
The Ministry for Public Service and Administration calls for strict management of leave policy to be adhered to during the world cup and that employees tempted to fake sicknesses and or abscond from work will be subject to the specific provisions in terms of the determination, with proof of such absences regardless of duration of absence required and where necessary investigations and action taken.
As the Ministry for Public Service and Administration we share in the euphoria of public servants and the country as a whole in hosting this soccer spectacle and rallying behind our national team but call upon public servants to be responsible in not abusing leave and to also bear in mind the pledge to serve our people.
For more information, contact:
Dumisani Nkwamba
Cell: 082 885 9448
Tel: 012 336 1704
Lebohang Mafokosi
Cell: 082 312 4641
Tel: 012 336 1017
Issued: Department of Public Service and Administration
9 June 2010
