PHALABORWA – Tensions were mounting among workers at Maphutha Malatji Hospital in Namakgale over disputed performance management and development system (PMDS) ratings, with employees accusing hospital CEO, Dr Sello Rasello, of unfairly reducing scores recommended by the moderation committee.

The dispute centres on ratings issued after the committee assessed employees’ performance for the year. According to a labour union representative, many employees were moderated and awarded a rating of four, but Rasello allegedly reduced some scores.

The union claims the reductions were made without supporting calculations or reasons being provided to justify the changes.

PMDS policy allegedly bypassed

According to the union, the PMDS policy requires a head of institution who disagrees with a moderation outcome to refer the employee’s file back to the moderation committee, together with reasons for the disagreement.

The union representative said repeated meetings with Rasello had failed to resolve the matter, leaving affected workers frustrated and angry.

Staff shortages compound frustrations

Employees have accused Rasello of arrogance and abusing his powers in handling the ratings, particularly given the difficult conditions under which employees have been working, especially during the February floods.

“Some wards are supposed to have eight employees, but they are operating with as few as two workers. Those two employees are expected to attend to between 30 and 40 patients,” the union representative said.

Salary progression at risk

The financial implications of the disputed ratings compound the workers’ concerns. A rating of three or two, according to the union, could prevent an employee from progressing to the next salary notch, potentially leaving them on the same salary for several years.

“We demand the urgent removal of Rasello as the head of the hospital,” said the workers.

The union also called on the relevant department to intervene, ensure that the PMDS policy is properly implemented and investigate the allegations surrounding the disputed ratings.

Investigation now underway

However, union representatives later held a brief meeting with hospital management, which indicated that it would address the PMDS matter while consulting with the district.

Management requested until Wednesday, September 2, to provide feedback on the issue.

Maphutha Malatji Hospital spokesperson Onnie Rammalo says the department is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, with an official response expected once the process has been concluded.