_Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma_
27 November 2023
*Durban, Marine Building*:
I wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal, who are the consumers of our services that today we had a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU).
NEHAWU is the largest union in the department and therefore the backbone of service delivery.
The union represents our valuable workforce located at head office, in the districts and in our entities.
Collectively, we agreed that as an employer, urgently attending to the wellbeing of employees will be on top of the agenda.
I remain convinced that this approach is the cornerstone of the organizational resilience and a catalyst for solid service delivery.
Critically, as we rebuild our economy, this province is in need of a team of motivated workforce.
Flowing from above, as an executive authority I have assigned the Acting Head of the Department Dr Thandeka Ellenson and Chief Financial Officer Mr Khaya Mthethwa, who joined our meeting, to work with NEHAWU leadership to resolve the following issues:-
●Speeding up the appraisal processes linked to the Performance Management and Development System. As an executive authority I will monitor this process to ensure that employees are rewarded for their hard work;
●Speeding up of the filling of vacant posts;
●Gradual insourcing of staff such as cleaners as part of ensuring a better life;
●Participation of NEHAWU in the processes around the rationalization of public entities.
This include hearings to be undertaken by the KZN Legislature;
●Strengthening of Occupational Health & Safety Committees to ensure the health and safety of employees.
●In particular, the protection of employees from rodent related hazards caused by amongst others – uncollected refuse on the pavements and surroundings that are breeding grounds.
As the department we have undertaken to resist any temptation to wait for an invisible hand to resolve issues and challenges that stand between us and organized labour.
We are convinced that we have much to gain from building a deeper partnership with mutual respect and comradeship as a foundation.
It is for these reasons we have offered to ensure that Acting Head of Department has a solid line to NEHAWU leadership in the province.
Finally, tomorrow I will meet with Chair of Boards of entities, CEOs, senior management and all categories of staff in the department and our entities.
_Issued by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Leader of Government Business_
