A simmering issue emerged this week from the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley, with EFF MP Lorato Florence Tito bringing to light allegations of excessive lunch breaks taken by Master’s Office employees.
A SIMMERING issue emerged this week from the Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley, with EFF MP Lorato Florence Tito bringing to light allegations of excessive lunch breaks taken by Master’s Office employees.
Tito’s query to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development suggested that these breaks, allegedly stretching from noon until 2pm, are disrupting operations and denying the public access to crucial services.
In response, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development refuted the claims and defended its operations, emphasising a steadfast commitment to the Batho Pele principles – a pledge to place people first and deliver services with efficiency and professionalism.
The department said it had conducted an investigation and found no evidence of the alleged prolonged lunch breaks mentioned by Tito.
According to departmental guidelines, employees are allotted a 45-minute lunch break, in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 (Act 75 of 1997). Staff are required to resume their duties promptly after this interval.
The department further advised that to address any concerns and ensure adherence to these standards, it plans to conduct “spot checks” in the future.
“The department did ascertain, from both officials internally and from external stakeholders, that no such prolonged lunch breaks, as mentioned by the Honourable Member of Parliament [Tito], were taking place … The Honourable Member can be assured that the matter will be closely monitored going forward and that unannounced ‘spot check’ visits will be done to ensure that the regulations are adhered to at all times,” the department stated.
The country Master’s Offices, critical in the administration of estates and other legal processes, are meanwhile undergoing significant reforms.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is undertaking the reforms at Master’s Offices to maximise their effectiveness and efficiency.
Justice Minister Thembi Simelane detailed these efforts in a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
“These reforms are part of our broader efforts to combat corruption and improve service delivery within the justice system. The turnaround strategy for the Master’s Offices includes implementing the SIU ‘s recommendations and enhancing oversight mechanisms to prevent future misconduct.
“We are focused on improving efficiency and customer service at all Master’s service points through strategic collaboration with key stakeholders. Restoring public confidence in the Master’s Offices is a top priority,” Simelane said.
