Department of Labour defends their reputation

BURGERSFORT – Complaints surfaced after a man collapsed on the premises of the Department of Labour last week.

A source complained there was no shade for clients when the queue reached the door of the building and only one client- service officer was available to attend to people. The person claimed the heat and long waiting periods caused the man to faint.

Mr Johannes Mokou, spokesman for the department refuted the claim and said, “The office operates with more than three client-service officers. To even beef up the services, other ones are dispatched on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from our main office stationed in Jane Furse, to curb the backlog and help the people.”

When asked about the slow service which the source had complained about, Mokou answered, “The office manager also helps in servicing the client if and when the office is inundated with clientele. Another fact that one should consider is that the town is a mining area and with the current rapid growth in terms of retrenchments and labour unrests, many of these employees come in their numbers to apply for UIF and seek advice on their unfortunate dismissals.”

Clients said the labour office, which was in a house, was too small to accommodate everyone. He strongly disagreed. “The building is more than suitable for our clientele as it has air conditioners, water tankers as well as shade for people to rest under while waiting for assistance.

“However, because of Burgersfort’s rapid growth as a business hub, plans are in the pipeline to acquire an even larger establishment or to renovate the current building for the purposes of our clients.”

Mokou said the doctor of the client who collapsed certified that it was due to fatigue as a result of his long working hours. “The gentleman returned after he was taken to the hospital and was assisted accordingly.”