AN investigation into the conduct of officials at the Tongaat Home Affairs office has revealed that the employees had used their cell phones during a power failure.

The officials were recorded and shown on social media using their private cell phones at the front desk of the Tongaat office on 10 January.

The video and the responses it attracted created an impression that the two officials were on their cell phones instead of attending to members of the public waiting to be served.

On the instruction of Home Affairs acting Director-General Thulani Mavuso, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Manager Cyril Mncwabe investigated the matter. The officials have subsequently been given written warnings.

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During the investigation, which included interviewing the officials, it was established that the office experienced a power failure on the day, leading to a break in service that lasted for approximately 20 minutes which did not directly impact on service delivery to clients the department said in a statement. The officials resumed work and served clients as soon as the system was restored.

The break in service was announced to clients.

“There were compelling reasons for the two officials to use their cell phones during the service break but they should have excused themselves to attend to personal matters at the back office. One official was arranging for a child to be picked up from school and the other one was following up on repairs to his vehicle. They were to work overtime on the day. The officials acknowledged their mistake and voluntarily apologised for the misjudgement.

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“Since there are no pending misconduct cases or investigations against them, and they render services diligently, it was concluded that they be given a written warning for their actions,” the department said in a statement.

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