Prison warders celebrate Heritage Day in style

The South African Police Service management has asked all striking 10111 workers to return to work no later than Friday, 29 September, or face disciplinary steps.

Centre operators throughout the country have embarked on unprotected strike action, demanding salary increases.

The strike, which was called by the South African Police Union (SAPU) in respect of the 10111 centre operators that are employed in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994, was initially a protected strike.

However, earlier this month, an agreement was entered into at the Security Sectoral Bargaining Council (SSSBC), to which both POPCRU – as the majority union in the SSSBC – and the South African Police Service are signatories, SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said yesterday.

Naidoo said although SAPU was not a signatory to the agreement, the said agreement is enforceable and it renders the strike action unprotected.

“SAPU has been made aware of the agreement and that they can no longer claim protection of a protected strike. Unfortunately, the strike action is still continuing and all the striking employees have been called upon to immediately cease such action and return to duty no later than 29 September 2017 or face disciplinary action.”

Meanwhile, SAPS management has reassured South Africa that it remains committed to delivering its Constitutional mandate to ensure that people are and feel safe, and that its employees are compliant with regulations that govern the smooth running of the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Prayer, hymns and the song Masihembo by the Prison warders set the tone for Heritage Day celebrations at Waainek Correctional Centre recently.

It was a chance for warders to interact in a relaxed setting, and remember their values.

A generous fire delivered roosterkoek and delicious meat, which the warders enjoyed with home-made ginger beer.

Programme director Simthembile Stamper introduced cultural activist Simo Ndyoko, who spoke words of inspiration about the power of God Photo: Lindani Donyeli and the ancestors.

Ndyoko shared various bits of his beliefs, such as that men lead a household and are central to any cultural occasion, and that the names parents give their children have a lasting effect on their personalities and lives.

“It’s very important for us to celebrate our heritage so that we can understand where we come from,” Ndyoko said. Suggesting that cultural identity was core to social cohesion, he said if people knew their heritage, they would stop raping and killing their own people.

“There is no humanity,” said prison head Nowakhe Phanda. “As we celebrate Heritage Month, yinganga yamagugu – we are a reawakening of our humanity. We all have a right to know where we come from, regardless of colour.”

Phanda said prisoners also had the opportunity to celebrate; however, this was their time as staff to celebrate, knowing they could relax in safety.

“Each person should be given a chance to show where they come from so that colleagues at work can show respect to one another.

“People should say: ‘In order for my heritage to be known, it is my duty to show it to them.’”