Department needs more money for better service delivery

By Ofentse Mokae
16 March 2010

Labour department says it needs an additional R1 billion in the next financial year in order to render its services to the public better and more professionally.

Labour director general Jimmy Manyi was briefing parliament’s portfolio committee on labour today ahead from the department’s budget vote in parliament next month.

Manyi said among his department needs is to have statisticians, civil engineers, medical doctors going through various hospital records and a whole range of teams of experts to enable the department to professionalise its service.

Manyi said they also need experienced human resource personnel to engage with chief executives of companies on employment equity issues.

“While we have capable people in the department currently, the problem is that most of them are generalists,” Manyi said.

He said the R15 million currently being allocated to the National Economic Development and Labour Council was little in relation to the council’s role as a forum of social dialogue.

“Equally, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration is in the intensive care unit in terms of funding judged against its role in dispute resolution and the ever increasing volumes of cases,” Manyi added.

The meeting was also attended by Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana.

The committee is also expected to be briefed by state-owned entities aligned to the Labour Department on Friday.