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ActionSA is gravely concerned about the lack of stability and job security plaguing the Department of Health in the Northern Cape. Under the department, senior officials are appointed into acting roles for more than twelve months or longer in the same position.

MEC Maruping Lekwene has allowed this to go on for too long without considering the devastating effects it has on service delivery. Implementing long term programmess continues to be a challenge in ever changing employment cycles. We urge the department to review this practice and appoint officials on a permanent basis.

Furthermore, the issue of non-retention has exacerbated the issues of corruption, fraud and mismanagement, with one of the most recent being the head of the department (HoD) of Health in the Northern Cape, Dr Dion Theys, who was found guilty of contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). This, we believe can be curbed when officials are given a clear sense of security and belonging in the workplace.

How can the department expect full commitment from their employees while they have no real assurance of their future employment status? This department can not, in all earnestness, expect commitment from the employees when their own future hangs in the balance because of acting in the positions.

At our policy conference last week, ActionSA approved the Professional Public Service Policy which prioritises Public Service Capacitation. Through this, it aims to enhance performance through effective Human Resources Practices which safeguards against institutional instability and promotes the development of a skilled, committed Human Capital without political interference.

The sooner the Health Department gets depoliticised the sooner it can create an environment where people feel the difference of service delivery, which must strive towards excellence.

Issued by ActionSA Northern Cape Provincial Chairperson