05 Dec 2017

Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration says government has come up with measures to curb excessive overtime and address manpower shortages across the public service.

Mr Thato Kwerepe said some of the measures included among others the introduction of flexi hours, shift work, commuted overtime and temporary relief workers.

“This will require additional positions to be created during the coming financial year,” said Mr Kwerepe.

He said the ministry was aware of current challenges in the management of overtime in the public service, and that this was mainly due to the provision in the current Public Service Act which has made overtime free for all dispensation.

Mr Kwerepe said it should be noted that overtime could not be avoided in some areas owing to the nature of services provided.

“However, it is necessary that overtime is controlled and managed,” he concluded.

Member of Parliament for Francistown East, Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister if he was aware that overtime issues had created many challenges in the public service, if so, what steps would be taken to remedy the situation. ENDS