Sir
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha is failing the people of South Africa and the ministry through his recent announcement to bring back retired former employees to address staff shortages within the department.
The Congress of the People has always been saying that there have been staff problems in the department but Masutha and his deputy, Thabang Makwetla, have always denied this.
Now, this latest turn and change of heart by Masutha confirms what COPE has always said.
Had this and other problems within the department been addressed as we have always said, many incidents – including the killing of a female official of the department last week at the Goedenmoed Centre- should have been avoided if the issue of staff and skills shortage had been addressed as we have always maintained.
That the minister has decided to turn to retired former officials while many young and competent unemployed matriculants and graduates are roaming the streets is uncalled for and defied logic.
The minister must know that tension within the department of correctional services is building up and among officials who have been with the department for many years but with no prospect of promotion.
We call on minister Masutha to urgently address a wide range of issues such as shortage of uniform, payment and salary increase as well as overtime payment. Another issue that needs to be looked at is the medical scheme matter relating to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). We believe that is a problem and has to be reviewed.
COPE also believes that the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) needs to be fully implemented.
The victimization officials who are outspoken on corruption must stop immediately and that the outstanding payments due to officials of the parole board must also be attended to.
These are very important issues that we feel cannot be ignored because the officials at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) are an important part of our government employee segment and should be treated with respect and dignity. They deserve better.
Dennis BloemÂ
Congress of the People Secretary of Communications
