16 Dec 2020

About 263 officers have been paid caretaking allowance since 2017 when brigades were transferred to the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development.

In that regard, Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development, Mr Mpho Balopi said he was aware that three officers of Mosetse Brigade were owed caretaking responsibility allowance from 2009 to 2012.

He said the reason for non-payment was due to inadequate information submitted by the officers concerned at the time of processing payments of the allowances to other deserving officers.

He said the requirements included submission of appointment letter, affidavit from supervisor in the absence of appointment letter or minutes of management meetings in the event that the officer was holding a supervisory or management position as well as a set of performance deliverables.

He said payments of the two officers who alleged that they were holding head of department positions could not be effected due to insufficient documentation submitted to support that allegation.

He stated that the third officer who alleged that he was a caretaker for deputy principal from August 2010 to August 2012 had the supporting evidence which confirmed that indeed he was appointed as such at Shoshong Brigade. In that regard, he said payment for the officer would be effected before end of financial year 2020/2021.

He stated that letters were sent to the concerned officers on June 12, 2019 to submit requirements and that it was indicated that information had been submitted.

Mr Balopi also clarified that submitted documents, in particular minutes of October 13^th, 2009, did not clearly specify the caretaking roles the officers were performing at the time. 

Instead, he said the officers submitted a one-page document which was not signed titled: ‘Presentation of issues of caretaking’ dated June 5, 2013.’ On that basis, he said the document did not have sufficient information that would help the ministry to make a decision on their claim.

“The officers have, therefore, been requested to submit the correct documentation,” he said. 

The MP for Nata-Gweta, Mr Polson Majaga had asked if the ministry was aware that three officers at Mosetse Brigade had not been paid caretaking responsibility allowance from 2009 to 2012 despite written confirmation letters to that effect.

He said this was so despite the fact that Mosetse Bridge acting deputy principal had stated in writing when they would be paid. He also wanted to know why it took long to pay them. ends