The National Department of Public Works signs the National Framework Agreement for Turnaround Strategy (NFA)
The National Department of Public Works and two major unions, Public Servants Association (PSA) and the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), have signed a ground breaking National Framework Agreement committing to work for effective and efficient delivery of services within the NDPW.
The framework agreement, signed on today, addresses issues related to the re-building of the NDPW including the Turnaround Strategy and the migration of employees from the old to the new structure. It also deals with the creation of conditions and an environment conducive to consultation and information sharing with organised labour on the re-building of the NDPW, and increasing the department’s staff complement to provide efficient and effective public services.
The signatories committed themselves to create a patriotic public service culture within the NDPW. They also undertook to promote adherence to the rule of law and code of conduct and effective mechanisms to reverse and prevent corruption and maladministration.
The agreement is being signed when the department is grappling with rebuilding and transforming the ailing NDPW following three consecutive disclaimer reports from the Auditor General.
The parties will also identify a comprehensive training and development programme to develop the competencies, skills and expertise of NDPW employees. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Nxesi said the NDPW would not tolerate corruption and fraud and appealed to the unions to help to expose those involved in such practises.
“The issues of fraud and corruption are non-negotiable. If you carry on with fraud and corruption, we will expose you. The unions must help us to expose such people,” said Nxesi.
He assured the signatories that there would be no job losses or privatisation of the NDPW during the Turnaround process.
“But we want re-train those who lack appropriate skills so that we professionalise the department.”
PSA Deputy General Manager, Manie De Clerq, welcomed the joint signing of the agreement and supported the strong stance against corruption and fraud because the country could not afford these afflictions.
“We hope the implementation of the Turnaround Strategy will create a better public service and country for all.”
Nehawu National Treasurer, Pulani Mogotsi, also supported the agreement and expressed the hope that it would lead to a more caring department and skills transference for employees.
