Another storm is brewing in the office of Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae after dozens of workers approached the Public Service Association (PSA) to intervene following a notice that the contracts of at least 100 staff members in the provincial government would not be renewed.
Some of the workers, including officials, have been in the employ of the state for more than 16 years. One of the officials who was served the letter is the former MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Dan Kgothule who served under former premier Ace Magashule.
Kgothule, a director in the provincial government, together with other employees from other departments, received the letters on Monday from the acting director-general, Molefinyane Phera.
Phera flexed his muscle on the first day he was appointed to act on the position left vacant by the former director-general Kopung Ralikontsane, who went on retirement last month.
“This serves as a reminder that your employment contract with the office of the premier is ending 30 September 2024,” a letter seen by Sunday World reads in part.
After meeting with the disgruntled officials and workers, the PSA wrote a letter to Letsoha-Mathae on Thursday requesting a meeting with her and her acting director-general.
PSA provincial manager Aubrey Nappie said the organisation was concerned with the contents of the letters.
“We would like to request an urgent meeting with you to discuss this matter. The actions taken by your office is unlawful. It is our view that the department has indeed contravened subsection (3), and as a result, the employment should be deemed permanent in terms of the [Labour] Act. In light of the above, we kindly request the immediate withdrawal of these letters until such time as the parties have met to discuss the matter,” Nappie wrote.
He also demanded that the premier respond to the matter before Wednesday.
On Friday, Phera responded to the PSA, stating that the government will arrange a consultation with labour as soon as possible.
“We are busy working out possibilities and strategies to address the situation,” said Phera.
Sunday World previously reported that Letsoha-Mathae was hauled to court by the HOD of human settlements, Mosa Masitha-Masimene after the premier reshuffled her from her position.
Masitha-Masimene emerged victorious and returned to her position, and Letsoha-Mathae was found in contempt after ignoring a court order, which ordered her to rescind her
decision to remove the HOD from her position.
The former DG, Ralinkotsane also won his case recently after the Pretoria High Court ruled that she should not implement any remedial actions against him after the Public Protector’s report stated the provincial government had wasted R5.9-million when the state gave the contract to C-Squared events management company to organise the funeral of MEC of Education Tate Makgoe and his protector Vuyo Mdi in 2023.
