*In a previous version of this story, which was also published in the Sandton Chronicle newspaper with the headline, Protest work conditions, [Week ending 7 June, 2019], stated that the Gauteng Department of Education staff stopped work on 28 May in protest for better working conditions at their Sandton Abalengani building. In fact, there is no such ‘Abalengani building’ as the Abalengani company is managed from another building in Parkmore. The building referred to in the article therefore has no relation to Abalengani.
The building that the staff had been protesting at was the Gauteng Department of Education’s building which is located between 142 to 144 on 4th Street in Parkmore.
The Sandton Chronicle apologises for this error and for any inconvenience caused.
The staff of the Gauteng Department of Education stops work on 28 May in protest for better working conditions at their Sandton building.
The staff of the branch claims that they work in a difficult environment and that their lives are at risk whenever they are at work.
Marvelous Ndlovu who is the branch secretary of National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union said that their building is a big issue. “Our toilets are locked with wires and are a health hazard, phones do not work and we are forced to buy and use our own airtime to keep the department running, there is no space in the building and the working environment is unhealthy, and we are short of staff.”
Some complained that rats have been exterminated and not taken out, the building smells horrible inside and they are also afraid that the building might collapse on them at any time. They want to be moved to a safer working environment.
The Gauteng Education Department Johannesburg West District Director Dennis Macuacua addressed the workers and said that he would escalate the issues reported to executive management and would give them feedback after fourteen working days.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/225879/gauteng-department-education-may-postpone-online-applications/
