The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has today called for an immediate explanation from Sport and Recreation MEC, Hlengiwe Mavimbela following a directive that all departmental staff return to work yesterday.

The instruction comes despite no work permits having been issued and without the Department having conducted a risk assessment to determine whether any employees have existing comorbidities.

The DA has been reliably informed that senior managers within the Department have demanded the return of staff and have also stated that they may not work from home, even if they have health issues.

This is simply staggering and is a direct contravention of the Level 3 regulations which stipulate the phased-in return of employees - with only 30% to begin with – and provided that the necessary precautions have been put in place to ensure their safety.

It is clear that MEC Mavimbela and her senior staff somehow believe that they are exempt from following the rules as set out by President Ramaphosa. Risk assessments are meant to be adhered to while the law states that those with existing comorbidities and who are over the age of 60 years must work from home.

This blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of staff gives the impression that the lives of the working class do not matter.

The DA regards this matter as unacceptable. This Department cannot jeopardise the wellbeing of staff by holding them to ransom. We expect MEC Mavimbela to immediately reverse this irresponsible decision and to follow the regulations in terms of both safety measures and the return of staff.

Issued by The DA