Services to continue operating

‘Vital government keeps functioning’

THE Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will not shut down government services during the national lockdown.

Department director-general Yoliswa Makhasi indicated that the declaration by President Cyril Ramaphosa was made to curtail the spread of the coronavirus

A letter about the lockdown was sent to heads of departments and provincial administrations on Wednesday.

According to Makhasi, the continuous functioning of government operations was critical in any democracy as it was a barometer for measuring a state’s ability to meet citizens’ needs.

“The operations of government cannot at this point come to a complete halt. Departments are therefore required to continue with the important task of keeping the government machinery going,” reads the letter.

Makhasi said no circulars or letters would be sent by heads of department on shutting down the government, and that where such circulars or letters had been sent in national departments or provinces, it was advised that they be withdrawn immediately.

The DPSA is in the process of issuing guidance on the manner in which the lockdown will be dealt with in the public service, and heads of department are urged to wait for the details before making any decisions on working arrangements.

The government has declared several public services as essential services during the lockdown, including Water and Sanitation, Health, defence, the National Treasury, Energy, Transport, Social Development, Education, Justice and Correctional Services, police, communication, Home Affairs, Co-operative Governance and Trade and Industry.

Public servants who work as directors-general, deputy directors-general, are members of senior management of services, and those working in supply chain management units, finance, human resources management, information technology and communications have also been listed as providing critical services required during the lockdown.

According to Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu, special leave will only be granted when a public servant has been screened for Covid-19 after displaying symptoms. “If an employee has not been granted permission to not attend work and refuses to attend, then such absence shall be regarded as unpaid and shall be dealt with in terms of the applicable disciplinary code,” reads Mchunu’s instructions.

Cosatu affiliate, the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers’ Union, urged employers to work with the organisation and the government to pay workers and not make their lives difficult during the lockdown.

The Public Servants’ Association has raised concerns about the non-availability of sanitisers and protective clothing at all government facilities.