22 Mar 2013

All public employees, irrespective of category of employment, are reminded that they are not allowed to participate actively in politics.

The press release from the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), warns public employees that their continued participation in active politics shall render them liable for disciplinary action.

The statement pays particular attention to the following provisions of the public service act:

Section 5(5) which provides that no public employee shall: publicly speak or demonstrate for or against any politician or political party; be an active member of, nor hold office in, any political party; publish his or her views on political matters in writing; ....'

Section 56 also states that collective bargaining councils within the public service shall not allow politics or anything which may be reasonably regarded as being of a political nature to interfere with or influence their activities"

The release also advises public employees to guard against being misled into believing that the category of employment under which they are employed entitles or guarantees them the freedom to actively participate in political activities.

“Public employees, including those in trade union leadership, are therefore, advised not to disguise their political agendas, in the name of freedom of association,” it states.

The statement also explains that trade union leaders should focus on their primary role of improving the terms and conditions of employment of their members as well as fostering and promoting harmonious labour relations.

Accounting officers and supervisors have been directed to monitor compliance with the aforementioned provisions of the act. Ends