18 Jun 2020

 Mabutsane Sub-district Council Chairperson, Mr Kgopolo Ramosesane has urged the newly appointed safety, health and environment officers, commonly known as COVID 19 scorpions to work well with the village leadership and the rest of the communities where they were posted.

Speaking at the induction of the scorpions at Mabutsane on June 17, Mr Ramosesane indicated that cooperation was the only way that would enable them to deliver their services well, help them adjust well and quickly to their roles and duty stations.

He also stressed the need to take their job seriously, saying that for the posts to be created, amid the current budgetary constraints which forced government to halt many important development projects, said a lot about the importance of such posts. 

Mr Ramosesane also advised the officers to use their earnings during the 10 month contract wisely, saying that even though short, it was better than nothing in this era of high unemployment.

Mabutsane sub-district Ipelegeng coordinator under whose supervision the COVID-19 scorpions fall, Ms Babedi Mhiko informed them that their jobs would give them a chance to implement what they acquired at tertiary institutions.

She also warned that the current ipelegeng programme was different from the conventional one and that they would be treated like any civil servants and that action would be taken against them for failure to abide by the civil service code, such as being absent without leave.

Ms Mhiko also cautioned them to guard against being derailed. 

“If you are posted to a school you are not expected to perform teaching duties, nor are you expected to treat yourselves like a court clerk if you are posted at the kgotla,” she said.

In his welcome remarks District Officer, Mr Tshepo Masala also informed the officers that they were a complement of the existing work force and therefore should strive to add to productivity rather than make government regret the decision to create the posts.

“Your attitude and approach to this job has the potential to influence government to make the posts permanent, so you should come put all the positive energy that will make your tasks a success. As Mabutsane sub-district we are known for a high level of productivity, so we expect you to complement that than pull us down,” he said.

The officers were inducted on public service requirements such as dress code, transparency and being apolitical at work. 

They were also drilled on their roles which include enforcement of COVID-19 regulations like screening, hygiene and conducting public education.

The sub-district engaged a total of 76 COVID-19 scorpions that will be posted across all its villages. Ends