Disgruntled officials working for the department of social development in the Free State have accused the newly appointed head of department, advocate Tumelo Phahlo, of ill-treating them.
The officials allege that Phahlo is abusing the power of his office. When contacted by Sunday World, Phahlo denied the allegations.
The officials penned a lengthy letter with the department’s logo. They addressed it to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office on April 9, to voice their grievances.
Alleged threat to fire officials
In the letter we have seen, the employees, who are chief directors, directors and their deputies, including managers and assistants, claimed that Phahlo allegedly told them that he was going to crack the whip and fire some of them.
“On his appointment as the head of department, he visited the districts [sic] and institutions for his introduction part. He told officials that he is now officially appointed as an HOD [head of department] and is no longer acting,” reads the letter.
“What raised our eyebrows and concern was when he informed officials that he is now in charge. That he is going to charge and dismiss officials, and that heads are going to roll.”
The officials claimed that Phahlo’s alleged statements sent shivers down their spines. This because they were scared that they would lose their jobs.
“As public servants of this government, we are entitled to a conducive environment. And he made the working environment of the department unsettled, intolerable, and oppressing.”
They also accused Phahlo of making irregular appointments within the department. This as he was influencing the outcome of people being interviewed for positions.
Phahlo dismisses the allegations
In a litany of accusations against Phahlo, the officials also claimed that he was a law unto himself. He did not even take into regard the Labour Relations Act when taking them to the cleaners.
“He would instruct labour relations [in the department] to do what he wants when disciplining officials.
“If he says the official must be charged formally, labour relations does exactly that.”
They also claimed that when top managers lodged grievances against the department, Phahlo would say the officials were fighting him.
He is also accused of telling them, literally, that he was going to make their lives a living hell or dismiss them.
“Advocate Phahlo is harassing, intimidating, and oppressing officials. And he ensures that everyone is afraid of him,” say the officials in the letter.
Responding to the allegations, Phahlo said that he never threatened anyone. He stated that all the officials are treated professionally and with respect.
Phahlo also denied allegations that he had threatened to dismiss them.
“Discipline in the department is dealt with in accordance with disciplinary code and procedures. And each case is handled according to its merits,” Phahlo said.
“All appointments in the department follow prescribed recruitment and selection processes.”
President cannot intervene in provincial labour disputes
He stated that he is aware of the letter, which he said was addressed to Ramaphosa and the ANC head office. It’s also addressed to the ministry of social development. The Free State premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, is also among other recipients.
“It is not clear whether the author of the anonymous letter is acting alone or on behalf of other officials,” he said.
“Further, the intentions of the author generating such allegations will not be known to me.”
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Mangwenya, said: “We don’t comment on correspondence sent to the president. It’s always individuals that publicise their letters to the president.
“I don’t know if the letter has reached the president or not. However, procedurally, the president cannot go over all levels of provincial government leadership. He cannot intervene in a provincial labour dispute.
“There are channels that deal with labour disputes.”
