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The Public Servants Association (PSA) cautiously welcomes the historic moment of Dr Phophi Ramathuba as the first female Premier of Limpopo. The former Health MEC is known for her hands on approach and pushing for service delivery, although she sometimes falls short when it comes to the rights of worker’s. She leaves behind a Health Department with multiple problems including demotivated employees, dysfunctional health facilities, which constantly run short of medication and Community Health Workers who are still on stipend after 20 years of service.  
 
Union representatives including those from the PSA were harassed and dismissed without cause when defending workers on her watch which cannot be forgotten. She allowed her department to shamelessly review an Arbitration Award, which was in favour of union representatives despite the case having no prospects of success.

Sadly, the department is engaging in time delaying tactics showing no care and remorse to these employees and their families as long as they achieve their agenda which is an abuse of power and state resources. Nonetheless, the province is faced with a myriad of challenges ranging from infrastructure problems where many departments are housed in dilapidated buildings, water shortages, and neglected public schools’ buildings. Further, the failure to address corruption, maladministration, and abuse of power is well documented which is exacerbated by a high vacancy rate which adversely affects service delivery.
 
The PSA calls on the new Premier to prioritise the eradication of corruption and maladministration, which has robbed the people of Limpopo of their dignity and rights as enshrined in the Constitution. The Premier must also work towards the enhancement of the rural economy as most young people and women in rural areas are without employment and a means of income. The PSA will closely monitor Limpopo’s 7th Administration, to ensure that employees rights and interests are advanced at all costs. The PSA is prepared on the issues that affect employees to ensure that their rights and interests are not compromised.

Issued by Public Servants Association