16 August 2006
Following respective meetings between the Department of Home Affairs and the
Public Service Association (PSA) on 13 and 23 June 2006, the department agreed
to embark on job evaluations of Immigration Officersâ salary levels to ensure
that work done is commensurate with salary levels and positions held by the
officers where they are deployed.
Subsequent to the meetings of the two parties, the Director-General of Home
Affairs, Mr Mzuvukile Maqetuka, also held a high level meeting on 6 July 2006
with the General Manager of the PSA, Mr Danny Adonis, to deal with the
matter.
It should further be noted that the Home Affairs communicated to the PSA on
the possibility that the deadline of 7 August 2006 would not be met due to
consultation with relevant stakeholders. The deadline was supposed to deal with
the implementation of the outcomes of the job evaluation process of the
immigration officers. At no stage did the PSA indicate any adversity to the
Department not meeting the deadline. The PSA to the contrary indicated at all
times that it understood and supported the initiatives that the Department
embarked upon.
The department views the statements recently attributed in the media to the
PSA that immigration officers may embark on strike action as premature, given
the fact that the resolution of the dispute is at a very advanced stage.
However, the department wishes to assure immigration officers that it is
considerate of their concerns and is exploring all avenues to ensure that a
workable solution is reached on this matter in a shortest period as
possible.
Enquiries:
Head of Communication Services
Nkosana Sibuyi
Cell: 082 886 6708
Mantshele wa ga Tau
External Communication Strategies and Liaison
Cell: 082 802 4814
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
16 August 2006
Source: Department of Home Affairs (http://www.home-affairs.gov.za)
