Home Affairs cellphone ban

THE portfolio committee on home affairs has welcomed the report that use of cellphones by front-desk staff during working hours has been banned, after trade unions opposed this.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union had said the use of cellphones by front-desk staff had been the subject of discussions between labour and the employer in the bargaining chamber in order to ensure it was managed without infringing on workers’ rights.

“It is now clear that the usage of cellphones is banned and clients must not be faced with this challenge when they seek services at the Department of Home Affairs,” said Hlomani Chauke, the chairperson of the committee.

The committee last month received numerous complaints from the public about delays at Home Affairs offices, following a video that surfaced on social media showing two officials using cellphones while people waited in a queue at the Home Affairs offices in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal. The department has since issued written warnings to the officials involved.

The committee said it was satisfied by the remedial action taken by the department. It also encouraged citizens to continue monitoring and reporting bad service by the department.

“This is a step aimed at reinforcing the endeavour to deliver quality service,” Chauke said. |