The Department of Home Affairs welcomes the ruling by the General Public Service Sectoral Bargaining Council (GPSSBC) following conciliation before it held on 02 April 2015. The sitting sought to determine whether the Council had jurisdiction to conciliate a dispute of restructuring of working hours as a Matter of Mutual Interest. 

In the analysis of evidence and argument, the Council agreed with the Department that consultations had taken place prior to the implementation and operationalisation of the new opening and closing hours. The GPSSBC further agreed that according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act No 75 of 1997, the Department has a prerogative to regulate working hours.

To this end, the GPSSBC ruled that the matter referred to it is not a Matter of Mutual Interest; consequently, the Council lacks jurisdiction on the matter.  

The Department of Home Affairs wishes to state its willingness to work with unions to create better working conditions for employees which will lead to improved service delivery to our clients.  

For interview requests for Director-General Mkuseli Apleni kindly contact Thabo Mokgola on 060 962 4982. For media enquiries kindly contact Mayihlome Tshwete on 072 869 2477

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS