Coghsta employees down tools for better salaries

Employees of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) and affiliates of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) staged a protest action last Thursday at their offices in Polokwane demanding, among others, the payment of outstanding bonuses and filling of vacant posts.
The employees also pleaded with Jerry Ndou, MEC for the department to ensure that the allegedly dilapidated infrastructure is fixed.
A member of Nehawu who spoke on condition of anonymity said they have engaged Ndou and the head of department on several occasions but their efforts were futile.
Union members were saying they would continue with the protest action until their demands were met.
“We did not receive bonuses for the past three years and we cannot continue like this. Our salaries are not fully paid and we are working in dilapidated offices. It is just not right for a public servant to work in unconducive conditions. We are also baffled by the department’s inability to fill vacant posts. It is a huge concern for us because we are overworked and as a result we are unable to produce quality work.”
Coghsta Spokesperson, Paena Galane denied the strike action at the department last Thursday.
Galane told Polokwane Observer that departmental employees organised an event at a venue in Polokwane on that day and some old Nehawu members decided to boycott it and not allow interns to go.
“The event went on with staff members and a few interns whom we were bidding farewell for their 2018/19 skills training and contribution while most of them couldn’t attend because Nehawu denied them that opportunity. We will however still organise and host them for lunch, to recognise the contribution they made to realise the departmental mandate, though being interns. In the absence of the best in leadership, the worst becomes the best. It was proven on Thursday when interns were denied an opportunity to be with their supervisors and colleagues on their big day by some union leaders. We appreciate and recognise the fact that some staff members and supervisors used their private vehicles to help some interns to attend the staff event,” Galane concluded.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com