NEHAWU Statement On The Meeting With President Cyril Ramaphosa
Friday September 25, 2020
This afternoon a delegation of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] met with the delegation from government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In the meeting, NEHAWU was represented by its President Cde Mzwandile Makwayiba, 1st Deputy President Cde Michael Shingange, 2nd Deputy President Cde Nyameka Macanda, National Treasurer Cde Kgomotso Makhuphola and General Cde Secretary Zola Saphetha. While government was represented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu, Minister of Public Service and Administration Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, and Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla.
The meeting was characterised by robust and fruitful debates which centred on the health and safety of workers especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the general condition of service of workers and the implementation of PSCBC Resolution 1 of 2018 especially clause 3.3 which deals with the salary increase of public servants. The meeting resolved to keep communication lines open between government and the national union and continue to engage on better ways to improve the working conditions of workers and salaries.
NEHAWU as a worker-led union will be reporting to Special Provincial Executive Committee [PEC] Meetings scheduled to take place as from tomorrow, the 26th to 28th September 2020 on the outcomes of the meeting with the President culminating into the Special National Committee [NEC] meeting scheduled for the 30th September 2020 where a detailed report on today’s outcomes for thorough analysis particularly in as far as the total solutions to issues or demands listed in the memorandum handed-over on the 3rd September 2020.
At the meeting, we accepted the apology presented for not replying on time to our memorandum of demands by the Office of the President and further agreed on an urgent meeting soon to be convened for the high-level leadership of government and public sector unions to find solutions in the interest of workers, the public sector, the nation and economy at large.After the Special NEC a press conference will be convened on the same day to communicate the outcomes of the meeting in terms of the way forward.
Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat
Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968;
December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969;
Khaya Xaba (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 082 455 2500