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NC dept staff protest over performance bonuses

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“After the department promised to pay out the bonuses, some employees were excluded”

Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture set tyres alight outside the Mervin Erlank building in Recreation Road on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

STAFF employed at the Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture set tyres alight outside the Mervin Erlank building in Recreation Road on Tuesday as they protested over unpaid employee performance management and development system (EPMDS) bonuses.

Public Servants Association (PSA) provincial manager Stephen Ledibane said on Tuesday that money had been allocated for the 2020 financial year for performance bonuses after staff were evaluated, however, the bonuses were never paid.

“It is believed that the department will have to account to Treasury as to why the money was redirected elsewhere. After the department promised to pay out the bonuses, some employees were excluded, which led to the protest action. We have advised our members not to embark on strike action as it is not a protected strike,” said Ledibane.

He added that there were also outstanding issues relating to employee development and training.

Ledibane said that no definite date was provided regarding the payment of the performance bonuses. “We are hoping that it will be included in the April salary run.”

Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture spokesperson Conrad Fortune said all protests had been called off on Tuesday following discussions with organised labour unions (PSA and Nehawu).

“The protests emanated from dissatisfaction with regards to the non-payment of EPMDS. The department can confirm that EPMDS payments were paid out on Monday, March 29. However, some officials did not receive EPMDS as they were non-compliant in terms of the necessary performance assessment documentation that was either incomplete or not submitted. These officials will be requested to follow the grievance procedure and provide the necessary evidence that all requirements were met,” said Fortune.

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