The Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) is urging the Limpopo Department of Basic Education to close the Hlanganani North circuit offices in Vhembe and find alternative accommodation for the employees because of poor working conditions. Employees have complained about unfavourable working conditions, prompting the PSA to intervene.
According to Mr John Teffo, the PSA Limpopo manager, union representatives visited the offices in June after receiving complaints from their members about unsafe working conditions. Teffo stated that the department was not complying with Section 8 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which places the responsibility on employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Despite engaging with the Department of Education, the PSA's efforts to address worker-safety issues have been unsuccessful. The matter has been escalated to the Department of Employment and Labour, and an inspection date is awaited. The PSA calls on the Education MEC to close the building and provide alternative accommodation for employees until the problems are resolved.
A visit by Limpopo Mirror to the Hlanganani North Education circuit offices revealed concerns about the office building's conditions. While the exterior appeared neatly painted, workers claimed that the JoJo water tank provided for drinking and toilet flushing contained brown and smelly water. Employees have resorted to bringing their own water to the office and are unable to use the tank water for drinking or making tea.
Further inspection revealed cracked walls, leaky roofs, and lack of proper ventilation for fear of broken windows. Some offices had exposed electric wires, posing potential danger.
Mr Mike Maringa, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Basic Education, acknowledged the matter and stated that the department was gathering information about the complaints. However, he noted that the building does not belong to the department, and the provision of water is beyond the scope of their jurisdiction.