Social workers see red
their vehicles were locked outside the premises, because Their boss had begun to implement ‘new security measures’.
DEPARTMENT of Social Development (DSD), Lower Umfolozi social workers are up in arms about what they call the ‘Verwoerdian treatment’ by their Acting Service Manager.
On Tuesday their vehicles were locked outside the premises, because their boss had begun to implement ‘new security measures’.
This sparked enormous unhappiness among the workers. When he finally allowed them to move in their cars, all around excitement, vehicle horns blaring and ululation resounded.
‘Since his arrival in July, he began disrespecting us in front of clients and colleagues, doesn’t allow us to question him about anything, tells people to simply resign if they are not happy with his management style.
‘He threatens to fire us, and when he leaves the office we can’t have access to government vehicles because he is the only who signs them out to use for community visits,’ said the social workers, requesting to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
They further allege about five of their employees are currently receiving psychological treatment, ‘because the conditions we work under have deteriorated since his arrival’.
Union’s intervention
National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW) Provincial Deputy Secretary SF Ndlovu confirmed the social workers’ allegations.
‘The new Acting Service Manager is abusing the employees and has poor management style.
‘We have written several letters to the department, to no avail. For almost six months now, they have failed to rectify the situation at the Lower Umfolozi office.
‘We have declared a dispute of information disclosure with them. We want to know what they are doing about the situation at this office, and about the employees on sick leave,’ said Ndlovu.
DSD responds
Responding to the allegations DSD Media Liaison Officer Ncumisa Fandesi said the department will not tolerate anarchy.
‘The regional management is aware of the problems at Lower Umfolozi office, and the workers are lying.
‘Someone had expected to ascend to the office of the manager, but when the current Acting Service Manager was appointed, is now trying to make the office ungovernable.
‘The department has taken action against unruly employees; hence the suspended shop steward is facing disciplinary hearing.
‘A while back projectors disappeared from the office, therefore security measures had to be put in place,’ she said.
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