Spotlight on job division’s doings
The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (Mpac) of George Municipality has been requested by Council to launch an investigation into the job evaluation system
(Task) at the Department of Human Resources. The spotlight is on the implementation of Task, internal appointments made and overall "lack of communication" by the department.
This followed after a motion in this regard was submitted by PBI Councillor Virgill Gericke. "I was approached by many employees complaining about the department's approach to the implementation of these policies," said Gericke. "In some instances, when the general public applies for employment at the municipality, the position had been filled internally without notifying the public. And yet the advertisements were placed in newspapers."
Gericke agreed to accept the amendments to his motion, which entail tasking the Mpac with the investigation. "I accepted on condition that all relevant role players, union representatives, heads of department as well as municipal workers are asked to testify. Another condition was that the investigation will take place as an open process. It mustn't be a one-sided presentation by senior managers, but include all relevant role players," said Gericke.
"If we are not satisfied with the investigation by Mpac, we reserve our right to pursue this matter to the office of the National Public Protector. This is how serious we are about the matter."
He challenged the unions to join the conversation and fight for the workers' rights. "It is a real shame that there are so few Local Labour Forum meetings and that its full potential isn't utilised by the unions," said Gericke. "There is a perception that there is a selective approach in regard to the Task grading, the evaluation and promotion of employees. This makes workers despondent. When workers are despondent, it directly affects service delivery to the George citizens."
Currently the Mpac consists of eight members - five DA members, Langa Langa of the ANC, Gert van Niekerk of the FF Plus and Laetitia Arries of the EFF. Arries chairs the committee. Four members of the Mpac, including Gericke, resigned in March this year, because of the way the proceedings were chaired. Van Niekerk rejoined at a later stage.