Workers’ unions in the Free State have strongly criticised Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae following the dismissal of over 150 employees from her office.

The employees were served with termination letters on Monday (2/9), notifying them that their contracts were being terminated on September 30. The National Public Service Workers Union (NPSWU) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) have condemned the move and said it is a blatant violation of the Labour Relations Act.

The PSA argued many of the dismissed employees had been employed by the premier’s office for over a decade, and their terminations contravened Section 198B of the Act, which protects employees on fixed-term contracts. “These terminations are unlawful and in direct violation of the provisions of the Labour Relations Act,” said the PSA.

The unions demand an urgent meeting with Letsoha-Mathae to discuss the matter. PSA said the response received from the acting director-general offered little reassurance, merely stating consultations with unions would be arranged “as soon as possible”, and that the department was “exploring possibilities and strategies to address the situation, whenever and however feasible”.

This vague response, it said, “lacking any concrete commitment or timeframe, exacerbates the situation for affected employees who are in a state of uncertainty, with no assurance about their future as their contracts are set to terminate on 30 September.

‘Lack of clarity, urgency worsens employees’ distress’

“The lack of clarity and urgency from the premier’s office in resolving this matter is deeply concerning and worsens the distress for these employees, who are facing unemployment.”

NPSWU also wrote to the premier’s office, expressing its concerns and demanding an urgent meeting, said representative Stephen Nonzaba. “We will fight tirelessly to protect our members’ livelihoods and ensure that their rights are upheld.

“We urge all affected members to remain calm and assured that we are doing everything in our power to address this situation”.

NPSWU Free State provincial organiser, Stephen Nonzaba. Picture Screengrab

The union is prepared to challenge the dismissals in court if necessary. “We will not back down in the face of injustice, and we will work tirelessly to secure favourable outcomes for our members.”

Meanwhile, the premier’s spokesperson, Thabang Mokoka, defended the terminations, stating that fixed-term contracts inherently have a start and end date. “(We wish) to clarify, categorically, that there is no witch-hunt or purging of employees, as purported in widely circulated social media propaganda. This misguided assertion is meant to taint the image and person of the premier.”

‘Notices issued by incumbent acting director-general’

The Free State provincial government wished to clarify that the notices were issued by the incumbent acting director-general and ratified by the incumbent premier.

“This is purely coincidental, as this process regarding the end of employee contracts has come during their tenure. It is, therefore, a legal and procedural requirement, unrelated to any individuals tasked with its implementation but directly related to efforts to regularise the Public Service,” Mokaka said.

Meanwhile, Letsoha-Mathae is expected to meet with the unions and other organisations to seek a resolution to this matter.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg